ChRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IN ITS BR,OADFR ASPECTS

SENIOR DIVISION, No. 258, FOURTH QUARTER, 19)9

 THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character
of God. Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind.... Receive into the soul
by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character
and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God."—Christ's
Object Lessons, page 38.
"Appreciation of the Bible grows with its study."—Ibid., p. 132.
"God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting
people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon
His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural,
earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus."—The Desire of Ages,
page 391.
"The neglect of the word means starvation to the soul."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Work, page 44.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab-
bath school lesson each day of the week.

Name

LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER

'1. God, the Owner of All 9. Sharing in Stewardship
2. God's Reserved Portions to. The Spiritual Stewardship of the
3. The Stewardship of Life Home
4. Stewards of the Mysteries of God H. Covetousness, a Hindrance to True
5. The Stewardship of Time and Stewardship
Talents 32. God's Supreme Gift to Man
6. The Stewardship of Our Abilities 13. The Rewards of Faithful
7. Stewardship Recognized in Worship Stewardship
8. God's Security Plan

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No, 258, October-December, 1959. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the
U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,
Mountain View, California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California.
When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1959, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
COVER: CHARLES 2INGARO, ARTIST
 Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
Theme for Quarter

STEWARDSHIP INCLUDES ALL OF LIFE

Aim for Quarter

To broaden our understanding and pract ice of Christian stewardship, including our
time, our talents, our treasure—our total life ; to help us to recognize that these are a trust
from God to be used in His service in grateful acknowledgment of Christ's redeeming love.

UNIT I Lesson No. 6. The Stewardship of Our

THEME: The Fundamental Principles
of Stewardship
AIM: To lead us into a fuller recognition
that our lives and all we possess are
God's through His creation and re-.
demption.
Lesson No. 1. God, the Owner of All
Lesson No. 2. God's Reserved Portions
Lesson No. 3. The Stewardship of Life
UNIT II •
THEME: The Stewardship of the Gospel
AIM: To help us as stewards to gain an un-
derstanding of our privilege and re-
sponsibility to proclaim the gospel to
the world.
Lesson No. 4. Stewards of the Mysteries of
God
Lesson No. 5. The Stewardship of Time and
Talents
Abilities
Lesson No. 7. Stewardship Recognized in
Worship
Lesson No. 8. God's Security Plan
Lesson No. 9. Sharing in Stewardship
Lesson No. 10. The Spiritual Stewardship
of the Home
UNIT III
THEME: The Motives and Rewards of
SteWardship
AIM: To challenge us as stewards who await
our Lord's return to dedicate our time,
abilities, material possessions, and total
life to God.
Lesson No. 11. Covetousness, a Hindrance
to True Stewardship
Lesson No. 12. God's Supreme Gift to Man
Lesson No. 13. The Rewards of Faithful
Stewardship

General Int roduction

Broadly speaking,' stewardship means
"responsibility." In this sense it means
much more than the payment of tithe. Ev-
erything conferred on man by a beneficent
Creator becomes an opportunity to 'reveal
a sense of responsibility and gratitude on
the part of the recipient.
Since everything has been created accord-
ing to God's will, and therefore has mean-
ing and purpose, our time, our daily occu-
pations, material liosseisions, physical health
—our total life—are talents to be used and
shared in His service. With- this• enlarged
view of the meaning of the term, steward-
ship thus becomes the practice of Christian
religion.
[al
" 'Stewards.' . . . The Greeks used this
word in connection with the management
of property, either of a household or of an
estate, and applied it to the slaves or freed-
men who were entrusted with the care and
management of the house and land belong-
ing to their master. The steward not only
presided over the affairs of the household,
but also made provision for it. This was an
office of considerable responsibility. . . .
"In stewardship, the matter of supreme
importance is faithfulness. Man has abso-
lute ownership of nothing at all in this
world, not even his physical and mental
strength. . . He is a created being, and
as such he' belongs to his Creator. He is
also a redeemed being, purchased by the
blood of Christ; . . . therefore in a dou-
ble sense man is not his own. . . . Recogni-
tion of this relationship between man and
his Creator should produce a determina-
tion to exercise great care in the use of ev-
erything entrusted to him during the period
of his sojourn on this earth."-The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6,
pp. 680, 681.

Lesson 1, for October 3, 1959

God, the Owner of All

MEMORY VERSE: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." John 3:16.
STUDY HELPS: "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 111-113; "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 19-26; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 415-417; "Testimonies," vol.
9, pp. 253-256; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture
references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 17.
LESSON AIM: To help us understand the responsibilities and privileges of sharing
in God's gracious gifts.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 7-11. ❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin read- Wednesday: Questions 12-14. ❑
ing from Study Helps. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑
Monday: Questions 3-6; read from Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑
Study Helps. ❑

Lesson Outline III. Man, Steward of God's Gifts

Introduction
I. God, the Creator-Owner
1. Owner of earth and sea by virtue
of creation. Ps. 24:1; 95:4, 5.
2. Owner of heaven and earth and
Sustainer of all things. Col. 1:16, 17.
II. God, the Sharer With Man
IV. Man, the Privileged Son and Heir
3. His life, image, and dominion.
Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7.
4. His glory and honor. Ps. 8:4, 5.
5. Sonship with Jesus. Matt. 6:9.
6. Jesus our example in giving. John
3:16; Titus 2:14, first part.
[4]
7. Entrusted with stewardship of this
earth. Gen. 2:15; 1 Cor. 4:1, 7.
8. Given a foundation principle for
stewardship. Matt. 22 :37-40.
9. Called "friends" of their Lord.
John 15:15.
10. Given the same mission as their
Master. John 15:16, 20; 20:21.
11. Stewards of God's grace. 1 Peter
4:10.
12. Joint heirs with Christ. Rom.
8:14, 17, 18.
13. The secret of successful partner-
ship. Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:13.
14. The present responsibility and
future hope. 1 John 3:2.
 THE LESSON
Introduction
"The idea of stewardship should have a
practical bearing upon all the people of
God. . . . Practical benevolence will give
spiritual life to thousands of nominal pro-
fessors of the truth who now mourn over
their darkness. It will transform them from
selfish, covetous worshipers of mammon, to
earnest, faithful co-workers with Christ in
the salvation of sinners."—Counsels on
Stewardship, page 112, 113.
God, the Creator-Owner
1. On what fundamental fact is
Christian stewardship based? Ps. 24:1;
95:4, 5.
Nom.—"We should regard ourselves as
stewards of the Lord's property, and God
as the supreme proprietor, to whom we are
to render His own when He shall require
it. When He shall come to receive His own
with usury, the covetous will see that in-
stead of multiplying the talents entrusted
to them, they have brought upon them-
selves the doom pronounced upon the un-
profitable servant."—Counsels on Steward-
ship, page 326.
2. How did God establish His
ownership of this world? How is it
maintained? Col. 1:16, 17.
NOTE.—"The Sovereign of the universe
was not alone in His work of beneficence.
He had an Associate,—a Co-worker who
could appreciate His purposes, and could
share His joy in giving happiness to cre-
ated beings. 'In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. The same was in the
beginning with God.' Christ, the Word,
the Only Begotten of God, was one with
the eternal Father,—one in nature, in char-
acter, in purpose,—the only Being that
could enter into all the counsels and pur-
poses of God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 34.
[5]
God, the Sharer With Man
3. With whom did God share His
life, image, and dominion? Gen. 1:
26-28; 2:7.
Nom.—"Every human being, created in
the image of God, is endowed with a power
akin to that of the Creator—individuality,
power to think and to do."—Education,
page 17.
4. What other attributes did Ge-'
bestow upon mankind? Ps. 8:4, 5.
Nom.—"Above all lower orders of being,
God designed that man, the crowning work
of His creation, should express His thought
and reveal His glory. But man is not to
exalt himself as God."—The Ministry of
Healing, page 415.
5. How closely did Jesus identify
Himself with mankind? Matt. 6:9.
Nom.—"Jesus teaches us to call His Fa-
ther our Father. He is not ashamed to call
us brethren. Hebrews 2:11. So ready, so
eager, is the Saviour's heart to welcome us
as members of the family of God, that in
the very first words we are to use in ap-
proaching God He places the assurance of
our divine relationship, 'Our Father.' "—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
1956 ed., p. 103.
6. How did Christ become the Su-
preme Example for stewards? John
3:16; Titus 2:14, first part.
Man, Steward of God's Gifts
7. When and how was the practice
of stewardship introduced to man?
Gen. 2:15; 1 Cor. 4:1, 7.

000' IS THE OWNER OF ALL HE HAS
CREATED — THIS LITTLE WORLD, AND
joss E OTHER PLANETS AND SUNS.
NoTE.—"Every Christian is a steward of
God, entrusted with His goods. Remember
the words: 'Moreover it is required in stew-
ards, that a man be found faithful.' 1 Co-
rinthians 4:2. Let us be sure that we are
not robbing God in any jots or tittles, for
much is involved in this question.
"All things belong to God. Men may ig-
nore His claims. While He bountifully be-
stows His blessings upon them, they may
use His gifts for their own selfish gratifica-
tion; but they will be called to give an ac-
count for their stewardship."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 246.
8. Upon what principle is Chris-
tian stewardship founded? Matt. 22:
37-40.
NoTE.—"By the terms of our steward-
ship we are placed under obligation, not
only to God, but to man. To the infinite
love of the Redeemer every human being
is indebted for the gifts of life. Food and
raiment and shelter, body and mind and
soul—all are the purchase of His blood.
And by the obligation of gratitude and
service thus imposed, Christ has bound us
to our fellow men. He bids us, 'By love
serve one another.'"—Education, page 139.
9. With what honored term does
Jesus refer to His stewards? John
15:15.
[6]
10. What is their mission and what
may they expect? John 15:16, 20;
20:21.
NOTE.—"We are stewards, entrusted by
our absent Lord with the care of His house-
hold and His interests, which He came to
this world to serve. He has returned to
heaven, leaving us in charge, and He ex-
pects us to watch and wait for His appear-
ing. Let us be faithful to our trust, lest
coming suddenly He find us sleeping."—
Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 37.
11. What sacred obligation rests
upon every Christian steward? 1 Pe-
ter 4:10.
NoTE.—"However large, however small,
your talents, remember that what you have
is yours only in trust. . . . To Him belong
your powers of body, mind, and soul, and
for Him these powers are to be used.
Your time, your influence, your capabili-
ties, your skill—all must be accounted for
to Him who gives all. He uses his gifts
best who seeks by earnest endeavor to
carry out the Lord's great plan for the up-
lifting of humanity."—Testimonies, vol. 7,
pp. 281, 282.
Man, the Privileged Son and Heir
12. What special honor and exalted
position await self-sacrificing stew-
ards? Rom. 8:14, 17, 18.
13. By what means and through
whom is this relationship accom-
plished? Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:13.
Nora.—"Heavenly intelligences are wait-
ing to co-operate with human instrumen-
talities, that they may reveal to the world
what human beings may become, and what,
through union with the Divine, may be ac-
complished for the saving of souls that are
ready to perish. There is no limit to the
usefulness of one who, putting self aside,
makes room for the working of the Holy
Spirit upon his heart and lives a life wholly
consecrated to God. All who consecrate
body, soul, and spirit to His service will be
constantly receiving a new endowment of
physical, mental, and spiritual power.. . .
Through the grace given us we may achieve
victories that because of our own erroneous
and preconceived opinions, our defects of
character, our smallness of faith, have
seemed impossible."—The Ministry of Heal-
ing, page 159.
14. What assuring promises are
made to those who have attained son-
ship? 1 John 3:2.
NOTE.—"To everyone who offers him;elf
to the Lord for service, withholding noth-
ing, is given power for the attainment of
measureless results. For these God will do
great things. He will work upon the minds
of men so that, even in this world, there
shall be seen in their lives a fulfillment of
the promise of the future state."—The
Ministry of Healing, page 160.

Lesson 2, for October 10, 1959

God's Reserved Portions

MEMORY VERSE: "And hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me
and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezek. 20:20.
STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 52-55; "Testimonies," vol. 6, pp.
349-363; "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 65-79, 92-94; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review
and Herald" of September 24.
LESSON AIM: To lead us into a fuller understanding of our responsibility to respect
and rightly use the Sabbath and the tithe, which God, the Sovereign Owner,
has reserved and sanctified for His specific use.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; read from
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from Study Helps. ❑
Study Helps. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-13; read
Monday: Questions 3-7; read from from Study Helps. ❑
Study Helps. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. la
Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline II. The Sanctified Seventh Day

3. God's reserved time. Gen. 2:3;
Introduction Ex. 20:8-11.
4. A sign of God's sanctifying power.
I. God's Reserved Tree Ex. 31:13 ; Ezek. 20:20.
5. Made for man. Mark 2:27, 28.
1. Symbol of God's complete owner- 6. To be "remembered." Ex. 20:8 ;
ship. Gen. 2:16, 17. Deut.
2. Became point of man's disobedience. 7. Observance of in new earth. Isa.
Gen. 3:1-6, 17-19, 24. 66:23.
I '7 I
Ill. The Sacred Tenth
8. Similarity between tithe and Sab-
bath. Lev. 27:30, 32 ; Ex. 20:8, 10.
9. Result of misuse of. Ex. 20:15;
Mal. 3:8.
IV. Misuse of God's Portion
10. The reserved portion at Jericho.
Joshua 6:17-19.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In Eden, God set up the memorial of
His work of creation, in placing His bless-
ing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath
was committed to Adam, the father and
representative of the whole human family.
Its observance was to be an act of grateful
acknowledgment, on the part of all who
should dwell upon the earth, that God was
their Creator and their rightful Sovereign;
that they were the work of His hands, and
the subjects of His authority."—Patriarchs
and Prophets, page 48.
God's Reserved Tree
1. What object did God reserve to
teach His complete ownership of the
earth? Gen. 2:16, 17.
NOTE.—"In the garden He caused to grow
every tree that was pleasant to the eye or
good for food; but among them He made
one reserve. Of all else, Adam and Eve
might freely eat; but of this one tree God
said, 'Thou shalt not eat of it.' Here was
the test of their gratitude and loyalty to
God."—Counsels on Stewardship, page 65.
"The tree of knowledge had been made
a test of their obedience and their love to
God. The Lord had seen fit to lay upon
them but one prohibition as to the use of
all that was in the garden; but if they
should disregard His will in this particular,
they would incur the guilt of transgression.
Satan was not to follow them with con-
tinual temptations; he could have access to
them only at the forbidden tree."—Patri-
archs and Prophets, page 53.
[8]
11. A dishonest steward. Joshua 7:5,
10-12.
12. A severe lesson. Joshua 7:16, 18-21,
24-26.
V. The Faithful Steward's Inheritance
13. Reserved in heaven for him. 1 Pe-
ter 1:3-5.
2. How did Adam and Eve forfeit
their privilege of stewardship of the
Garden of Eden? Gen. 3:1-6, 13, 17-
19, 24.
The Sanctified Seventh Day
3. For what reason was the seventh
day of the week set apart as God's
reserved portion of time? Gen. 2:3;
Ex. 20:8-11.
NOTE.—"Because He had rested upon the
Sabbath, 'God blessed the seventh day, and
sanctified it,'—set it apart to a holy use.
He gave it to Adam as a day of rest. It
was a memorial of the work of creation,
and thus a sign of God's power and His
love. The Scripture says, 'He hath made
His wonderful works to be remembered.'
'The things that are made,' declare 'the in-
visible things of Him since the creation of
the world,' even His everlasting power and
divinity.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 281.
4. Of what is the Sabbath a sign?
Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:20.
No'rE.—"The Sabbath is the sign of God's
creative power, whether manifested in crea-
tion or redemption; for redemption is crea-
tion—re-creation. It requires the same
power to redeem that it does to create.
'Create in me a clean heart.' Psalm 51:10.
'We are . . . created in Christ Jesus unto
good works.' Ephesians 2:10. God designs.
that each Sabbath shall call Him to mind
as the One who created us, and whose grace
and sanctifying power are working in us to
fit us for His eternal kingdom."—Bible
Readings for the Home, page 442.
5. For whom was the Sabbath
made? <Mark 2:27, 28.
NOTE.—"God reserved the seventh day as
a period of rest for man, for the good of
man as well as for His own glory. He saw
that the wants of man required a day of
rest from toil and care, that his health and
life would be endangered without a period
of relaxation from the labor and anxiety of
the six days."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 532.
6. How should stewards relate
themselves to the Sabbath? Ex. 20:8;
Deut. 5:12-14.
NOTE.—"At the very beginning of the
fourth commandment the Lord said, 'Re-
member.' He knew that amid the multi-
tude of cares and perplexities man would
be tempted to excuse himself from meeting
the full requirement of the law, or would
forget its sacred importance. . . .
"On Friday let the preparation for the
Sabbath be completed. . . .
"Before the settitig of the sun let the
members of the family assemble to read
God's word, to sing and pray. There is
need of reform here, for many have been
remiss."—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 353-356.
7. How will man's stewardship of
time continue to be manifest in the
new earth? Isa. 66:23.
NOTE.—"So long as the heavens and the
earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as
a sign of the Creator's power. And when
Eden shall bloom on earth again, God's
holy rest day will be honored by all be-
neath the sun. 'From one Sabbath to an-
other' the inhabitants of the glorified new
earth sal' go up `to worship before Me,
saith the Lord."'—The Desire of Ages,
page 283.
9
MONUMENTS ARE SET UP AS MEMORIALS.
THE SABBATH IS A SYMBOL OF GOO'S
CREATION AND RE-CREATION.
4059-2
The Sacred Tenth
8. What similar expressions did
God use in giving us the law of the
Sabbath and the law of the tithe? Lev.
27:30, 32; Ex. 20:8, 10.
NorE.—"The very same language is used
concerning the Sabbath as in the law of the
tithe: 'The seventh day is the Sabbath of
of the Lord thy God.' Man has no right
nor power to substitute the first day for
the seventh. . . . That specified portion of
time, set apart by God Himself for reli-
gious worship, continues as sacred today
as when first hallowed by our Creator.
"In like manner a tithe of our income is
`holy unto the Lord.' The New Testament
does not re-enact the law of the tithe, as it
does not that of the Sabbath; for the
validity of both is assumed, and their deep
spiritual import explained. . . . While we
as a people are seeking faithfully to give to
God the time which He has reserved as His
own, shall we not also render to Him that
portion of our means which He claims?"
—Counsels on Stewardship, page 66.
9. Of what are we guilty if we
withhold God's reserved portion? Ex.
20:15; Mal. 3:8.
NOTE.—"In using My reserve fund to
gratify your own desires you have robbed
souls of the light which I made provision
for them to receive. You have had oppor-
tunity to show loyalty to Me, but you have
not done this. You have robbed Me; you
have stolen My reserve fund. 'Ye are
cursed with a curse.' "—Testimonies, vol.
6, p. 387.
Misuse of God's Portion
10. What was God's command re-
garding His reserved portion at the
capture of Jericho? Joshua 6:17-19.
Nom—The Hebrew word rendered "ac-
cursed" "can also be translated 'a thing' or
'a person devoted' either to destruction or
to sacred use, and therefore excluded from
common use (Lev. 27:28, 29). The noun
comes from the verb charam, which means
'to shut up' or 'to seclude.' Jericho was to
be under a ban, with none of its wealth to
be devoted to personal use, and all of its
living things utterly devoted to destruction.
Its metals were to be consecrated to the
Lord and brought into His treasury."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 2, p. 198.
11. Why were the children of Is-
rael defeated at the Battle of Ai?
Joshua 7:5, 10-12.
12. What lessons does this experi-
ence teach relative to God's reserved
portion? Joshua 7:16, 18-21, 24-26.
NorE.—"Achan's sin was committed in
defiance of the most direct and solemn
warnings and the most mighty manifesta-
tions of God's power. . . . God, by the
might of His own word, had overthrown
this stronghold; the conquest was His, and
to Him alone the city with all that it con-
tained was to be devoted.
"Of the millions of Israel there was but
one man who, in that solemn hour of tri-
umph and of judgment, had dared to trans-
gress the command of God."—Patriarchs
and Prophets, pages 495, 496.
The Faithful Steward's Inheritance
13. What has God reserved for His
faithful stewards? 1 Peter 1:3-5.
NOTE.—"Addressing the church elders re-
garding their responsibilities as undershep-
herds of Christ's flock, the apostle wrote:
'Feed the flock of God which is among
you, taking the oversight thereof, not by
constraint, but willingly; not for filthy
lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being
lords over God's heritage, but being ensam-
ples to the flock. And when the Chief Shep-
herd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown
of glory that fadeth not away.'"—The
Acts of the Apostles, pages 525, 526.

Lesson 3, for October 17, 1959

The Stewardship of Life

MEMORY VERSE: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:23.
STUDY HELPS: "The Ministry of Healing," pages 241-258, 330-335; "Messages to
Young People," pages 232-244; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in the "Review and Herald" of
October 1.
LESSON AIM: To remind us that as stewards our entire being—body, soul, and
spirit—should be dedicated to God for His glory and man's good.
[101
 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3; read from
Study Helps. ❑ from Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 4-9. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; read
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Bible Teaching Regarding the Body
1. The body is God's temple. 1 Cor.
6:19.
2. Man belongs to God through
creation and redemption. Acts
17:24-28; 1 Cor. 6:20, first part.
3. Man will be destroyed if he defiles
the body temple. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17;
6:20, last part.
II. Bible Principles of Health
4. Health and soul prosperity.
3 John 2.
5. A good rule to follow. 1 Cor.
10:31.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The desire to honor God should be to us
the most powerful of all motives. It should
lead us to make every exertion to improve
the privileges and opportunities provided
for us, that we may understand how to use
wisely the Lord's goods. It should lead us
to keep brain, bone, muscle, and nerve in
the most healthful condition, that our
physical strength and mental clearness may
make us faithful stewards. Selfish inter-
est; if given room to act, dwarfs the mind
and hardens the heart; if allowed to con-
trol,, it, destroys moral power. Then disap-
pointment comes."—Messages to Young
People, pages 149, 150.
Bible Teaching Regarding the Body
1. What is man's body called, and
to whom does it not belong?. 1 Cor.
6:19.
Ill
Check Here
from Study Helps. ❑
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
6. Obedience to God's law. Prov.
3:1, 2.
7. Right thoughts. Phil. 4:8.
8. Pleasant words and a merry heart
Prov. 16:24; 17:22.
9. Temperance, or self-control.
1 Cor. 9:24-27.
III. The Stewardship of Body and
Spirit
10. A living sacrifice. Rom. 12:1, 2.
11. A complete transformation.
John 17:17.
IV. The Abundant Life
12. Jesus' purpose for man. John
10:10; 15:11.
13. God's desire and promise. 1 Thess.
5:23, 24.
For, what two reasons does man
belong to God? Acts 17:24-28; 1 Cor.
6:20, first part.
3. As stewards of the body temple
of God, what should we always keep
in mind? 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:20, last
part.
NoTE.—"As the foundation principle of
all education in these lines, the youth should
be taught that the laws of nature are the
laws of God—as truly divine as are the
precepts of the Decalogue. . . . Every care-
less or willful violation of these laws is a
sin against our Creator,"—Education, pages
196, 197.
 Bible Principles of Health
4. In what tender words did the
apostle John express his highest wish
for the believers? 3 John 2.
NOTE.—"Without health no one can as
distinctly understand or as completely ful-
fill his obligations to himself, to his fellow
beings, or to his Creator. Therefore the
health should be as faithfully guarded as
the character."—Education, page 195.
5. What principle should govern
us in all our activities? 1 Cor. 10:31.
NOTE.—"Here [1 Cor. 10:31] is a princi-
ple that is to underlie every motive,
thought, and act."—Gospel Workers, page
128.
6. What is promised to those who
obey God's laws? Prov. 3:1, 2.
7. On what questions are Christians
admonished to think? Phil. 4:8.
NOTE.—"This [Phil. 4:8] will require ear-
nest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We
must be aided by the abiding influence of
the Holy Spirit, which will attract the
mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on
pure and holy things."—Patriarchs and
Prophets, page 460.
" 'The conversation where Christ and the
characteristics of His life are the themes
dwelt upon will refresh the spirit and the
fruit will be unto holiness and everlasting
life.' "—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 574.
8. How does a person's mental at-
titude affect his health? Prov. 16:24;
17:22.
Nom.—"Sickness of the mind prevails
everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases
from which men suffer have their founda-
[ 12 ]
LIKE EVILS FROM PANDONKS BOX,A HOST OF
ENEMIES THAT DESTROY MAN HAVE BEEN
LET LOOSE.
4(454-3
tion here. . . . The religion of Christ, so
far from being the cause of insanity, is one
of its most effectual remedies; for it is a
potent soother of the nerves."—Testimo-
nies, vol. 5, p. 444.
9. What further principles of physi-
cal and mental health does the apostle
Paul set forth? For what reasons? 1
Cor. 9:24-27.
The Stewardship of Body and Spirit
10. In recognition of God's mer-
cies, what service may His stewards
render? Rom. 12:1, 2.
NorE.—"True sanctification is a Bible
doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to
the Thessalonian church, declares: 'This is
the will of God, even your sanctification.'
And he prays: 'The very God of peace
sanctify you wholly.' 1 Thessalonians 4:
13; 5:23. The Bible clearly teaches what
sanctification is and how it is to be at-
tained. The Saviour prayed for His disci-
ples: 'Sanctify them through Thy truth:
Thy word is truth' John 17:17. And Paul
teaches that believers are to be 'sanctified
by the Holy Ghost.' Romans 15:16."—The
Great Controversy, page 469.
 11. Through what means is this
change accomplished? John 17:17.
The Abundant Life
of God for all who receive Him. Why?
Because they have the Light of life. Light
brings gladness and joy, and that joy is ex-
pressed in the life and the character."—
Ellen G. White supplement in The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
5, pp. 1144, 1145.

12. In what words did Jesus ex- 13. To what extent can God pro-
press His desire for man? John 10:10; vide the abundant life? 1 Thess. 5:
15:11. 23, 24.

NOTE.—"As in nature, so in grace ; there

NoTE.—"Those professed Christians who
are constantly whining and complaining,
and who seem to think happiness and a
cheerful countenance a sin, have not the
genuine article of religion."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 334.
"When the light of heaven shines upon
the human agent, his countenance will ex-
press the joy of the Lord within. It is the
absence of Christ from the soul that makes
people sad and of a doubtful mind. It is the
want of Christ that makes the countenance
sad, and ,their life is a pilgrimage of sighs.
Rejoicing is the very keynote of the word
can be no life without growth. The plant
must either grow or die. As its growth is
silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so
is the development of the Christian life.
At every stage of development our life may
be perfect; yet if God's purpose for us is
fulfilled, there will be continual advance-
ment. Sanctification is the work of a life-
time. As our opportunities multiply, our
experience will enlarge, and our knowledge
increase. We shall become strong to bear
responsibility, and our maturity will be in
proportion to our privileges."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons, pages 65, 66.

Lesson 4, for October 24, 1959

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

MEMORY VERSE: "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and
stewards of the mysteries of God." 1 Cor. 4:1.
STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 25-34, 47-56; "The Ministry of
Healing," pages 256, 257; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,"
on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of October 8.
LESSON AIM: "To help us as stewards to understand our privilege and responsi-
bility to reveal the mysteries of God to the world.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0 Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Sunday: Questions 1-4; read from Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Study Helps. 0 Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑
Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from Friday: Review entire lesson. 0
Study Helps. 0
13 ]
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Mysteries of God
1. The mystery of godliness. 1 Tim.
3:16.
2. Originally secret, now manifest.
Luke 4:16-19; Rom. 16:25, 26.
3. Revealed by the Holy Spirit. Eph.
3:1-5.
4. Made available to all men through
the gospel. Eph. 3:6.
II. The Proclamation of the Gospel
5. The great commission. Matt.
28:19, 20; John 17:18.
6. The purpose of preaching. Eph.
3:8, 9, 17-19.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In commissioning His disciples to go
`into all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature,' Christ assigned to men
the work of extending the knowledge of
His grace. But while some go forth to
preach, He calls upon others to answer His
claims upon them for offerings, with which
to support His cause in the earth. He has
placed means in the hands of men, that His
divine gifts may flow through human chan-
nels in doing the work appointed us in sav-
ing our fellow men. This is one of God's
ways of exalting man. It is just the work
that man needs; for it will stir the deepest
sympathies of his heart, and call into exer-
cise the highest capabilities of the mind."
-Counsels on Stewardship, page 15.
The Mysteries of God
1. In Paul's comment on the mys-
tery of godliness, what events of the
gospel story does he mention? 1 Tim.
3:16.
NOTE.-"The incarnation of Christ is a
mystery. The union of divinity with hu-
manity is a mystery indeed, hidden with
God, 'even the mystery which hath been
[ 14
III. A Divine Obligation
7. Rested upon Paul to preach.
1 Cor. 4:1; 9:16, 17.
8. To watch and pray. Eph. 6:18-20.
9. Reason for, in last days. 1 Cor.
4:9, last part.
IV. The Accomplishment of the
Commission
10. Through the power of the Spirit.
Acts 1:8; Eph. 4:7, 8.
11. Through the messages of angels.
Rev. 14:6, 7.
12. The response of God's "other
sheep." John 10:16.
13. Prophetic assurances of success.
Matt. 24:14; Rev. 18:1.
hid from ages.' It was kept in eternal si-
lence by Jehovah, and was first revealed
in Eden, by the prophecy that the Seed of
the woman should bruise the serpent's head,
and that he should bruise His heel."-Ellen
G. White supplement in The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p.
1082.
2. When was this mystery made
manifest? Luke 4:16-19; Rom. 16:
25, 26.
NOTE.-"To present to the world this
mystery that God kept in silence for eter-
nal ages before the world was created, be-
fore man was created, was the part that
Christ was to act in the work He entered
upon when He came to this earth. And this
wonderful mystery, the incarnation of
Christ and the atonement that He made;
must be declared to every son and daugh-
ter of Adam."-Ellen G. White supple-
ment in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1082.
3. Through whom was the "mys-
tery of Christ" revealed? Eph. 3:1-5.
4. How may all mankind become

WE ARE A SPECTACLE TO UNFALLEN
WORLDS, REVEALING HOW THE BATTLE
GOES BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL.
partakers of the promises of God?
Eph. 3:6.
The Proclamation of the Gospel
5. As Christian stewards, what
responsibility do we have toward the
world? Matt. 28:19, 20; John 17:18.
Compare Isa. 58:7-11.
NOTE.—"The Saviour's commission to the
disciples included all the believers. It in-
cludes all believers in Christ to the end of
time. . . . All who receive the life of
Christ are ordained to work for the salva-
tion of their fellow men. For this work
the church was established, and all who
take upon themselves its sacred vows are
thereby pledged to be co-workers with
Christ."—The Desire of Ages, page 822.
6. For what reason is the gospel
to be proclaimed? Eph. 3:8, 9, 17-19.
NoTE.—In the King James Version the
margin gives "stewardship" for "fellow-
ship." "Through the gospel the whole hu-
man family, Gentiles and Jews, was to see
the purposes of God. Any church or any
preaching that does not accomplish this is
failing in its mission."—Ellen G. White sup-
[ 15
plement in The Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary, vol. 6. p. 1015.
A Divine Obligation
7. How did Paul regard his stew-
ardship? 1 Cor. 4:1; 9:16, 17.
NOTE.—"For if I do this of mine own
will, I have a reward: but if not of mine
own will, I have a stewardship intrusted
to me." 1 Cor. 9:17, A.R.V.
8. When he was a prisoner in
Rome, what was Paul's desire? Eph.
6:18-20.
9. Why should God's earthly chil-
dren be particularly diligent now? 1
Cor. 4:9, last part.
NoTE.—"The Christian is a spectacle to
the world, to angels, and to men. Singular?
—Yes; he has a most singular, peculiar
character, because his life is worked out
after the divine similitude.
"The inhabitants of unfallen worlds and
of the heavenly universe are watching with
an intense interest the conflict between
good and evil."—Ellen G. White supple-
ment in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1088.
The Accomplishment of the
Commission
10. What divine agency will en-
able the church to fulfill its mission
to the world? Acts 1:8; Eph. 4:7, 8.
NOTE.—"'Unto every one of us is given
grace, according to the measure of the gift
of Christ,' the Spirit 'dividing to every man
severally as He will.' 1 Cor. 12:11. The
gifts are already ours in Christ, but their
actual possession depends upon our recep-
tion of the Spirit of God."—Christ's Object
Lessons, page 327.
 11. How is the proclamation of
God's final messages symbolized? Rev.
14:6, 7.
NoTE.—"Here is shown the nature of the
work of the people of God. They have a
message of so great importance that they
are represented as flying in the presentation
of it to the world. They are holding in their
hands the bread of life for a famishing
world. . . . What a responsibility is resting
upon all to carry the words of gracious in-
vitation: 'And the Spirit and the bride say,
Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come. And who-
soever will, let him take the water of life
freely.' "—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 206, 207.
12. What fact should remind us to
witness for God with love and tender-
ness? John 10:16.
NOTE.—"Many not of our faith are long-
ing for the very help that Christians are in
duty bound to give. If God's people would
show a genuine interest in their neighbors,
many would be reached by the special
truths for this time. Nothing will or ever
can give character to the work like helping
the people just where they are."—Testimo-
nies, vol. 6, p. 280.
"Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness
and alienation from God that exist in the
churches which constitute Babylon, the
great body of Christ's true followers are still
to be found in their communion. There are
many of these who have never seen the
special truths for this time."—The Great
Controversy, page 390. (Italics supplied.)
"God has jewels in all the churches, and
it is not for us to make sweeping denuncia-
tion of the professed religious world, but in
humility and love, present to all the truth
as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and de-
votion, let them behold Christlikeness of
character, and they will be drawn to the
truth."—Ellen G. White supplement in
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary, vol. 4, p. 1184.
13. What assurance has Jesus given
to His witnessing stewards that their
labors will meet with success? Matt.
24:14; Rev. 18:1.
NOTE.—"The angel who unites in the
proclamation of the third angel's message is
to lighten the whole earth with his glory.
A work of world-wide extent and un-
wonted power is here foretold. The advent
movement of 1840-44 was a glorious mani-
festation of the power of God; the first
angel's message was carried to every mis-
sionary station in the world, and in some
countries there was the greatest religious
interest which has been witnessed in any
land since the reformation of the sixteenth
century; but these are to be exceeded by
the mighty movement under the last warn-
ing of the third angel."—The Great Contro-
versy, page 611.

Lesson 5, for October 31, 1959

The Stewardship of Time and Talents

MEMORY VERSE: "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful serv-
ant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over
many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matt. 25:21.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 325-332, 342-346; "Counsels on
Stewardship," pages 195-197; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of Octo-
ber 8.
LESSON AIM: To remind us that our time and talents are a trust from God to be
used in His service for the benefit of our fellow men.
[ 16 ]
 DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Tuesday: Questions 8-11; read from
Sunday: Questions 1-5. ❑ Study Helps. ❑
Monday: Questions 6, 7; read from Wednesday: Questions 12-15. ❑
Study Helps. ❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. ❑
Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑

Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Parable of the Talents
1. Distribution of the master's goods.
Matt. 25:14, 15.
2. Investment of the talents. Matt.
25:16-18.
3. The day of accounting. Matt. 25:
19, 20, 22, 24, 25.
4. Recognition of faithful steward-
ship. Matt. 25:21, 23.
5. The unfaithful servant. Matt.
25:26-30.
II. God's Gifts to His Church
6. Talents imparted by the Holy
Spirit. Eph. 4:7-11.
7. The purpose of these talents. Eph.
4:12, 13.
III. The Stewardship of Time
8. A brief span of life. Ps. 90:10.
9. Jesus' example in use of time.
John 9:4.
10. Working while waiting. Luke 19:13.
11. Faithful stewardship produces
fruitage in old age. Ps. 92:13, 14.
IV. Stewards in Time's Last Hour
12. The time to awake. Rom. 13:11.
13. The time to do good. Gal. 6:10.
14. The time to speak out. Esther 4:14.
15. "Redeeming the time." Eph. 5:
15, 16.

THE LESSON

Introduction The Parable of the Talents

"Our time belongs to God. Every mo-
ment is His, and we are under the most
solemn obligation to improve it to His
glory. Of no talent He has given will He
require a more strict account than of our
time."-Christ's Object Lessons, page 342.
"Christ on the Mount of Olives had
spoken to His disciples of His second advent
to the world. He had specified certain signs
that were to show when His coming was
near, and had bidden His disciples watch
and be ready. Again He repeated the warn-
ing, 'Watch therefore; for ye know neither
the day nor the hour wherein the Son of
man cometh.' Then He showed what it
means to watch for His coming. The time
is to be spent, not in idle waiting, but in
diligent working. This lesson He taught in
the parable of the talents."-Ibid., p. 325.
[ 17 ]
1. Upon what basis did the master
in the parable distribute the talents
to his servants? Matt. 25:14, 15.
Nork.-"The man traveling into a far
country represents Christ, who, when speak-
ing this parable, was soon to depart from
this earth to heaven. The 'bond servants'
(R.V.), or slaves, of the parable, represent
the followers of Christ. We are not our
own. We have been 'bought with a price'
(1 Cor. 6:20), not 'with corruptible things,
as silver and gold, . . . but with the pre-
cious blood of Christ' (1 Peter 1:18, 19) ;
'that they which live shoUld not henceforth
live unto themselves, but unto Him which
died for them.' (2 Cor. 5:15)."-Christ's
Object Lessons, pages 325, 326.
 2. How did the servants invest the ministry of Christ's followers. Eph.
talents they were given? Matt. 25: 4:7-11.
16-18.
3. On the day of accounting, what
report was made by the stewards to
their master? Matt. 25:19, 20, 22,
24, 25.
NOTE.—"God has purchased the will, the
affections, the mind, the soul, of every hu-
man being. Whether believers or unbe-
lievers, all men are the Lord's property. All
are called to do service for Him, and for
the manner in which they have met this
claim, all will be required to render an ac-
count at the great judgment day."—Christ's
Object Lessons, page 326.
4. How were the faithful stewards
rewarded? Matt. 25:21, 23.
NoTE.—"To His servants Christ com-
mits 'His goods'—something to be put to
use for Him. He gives 'to every man his
work.' Each has his place in the eternal
plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-
operation with Christ for the salvation of
souls. Not more surely is the place pre-
pared for us in the heavenly mansions than
is the special place designated on earth
where we are to work for God."—Christ's
Object Lessons, pages 326, 327.
5. What happened to the slothful
servant and to his unused talent?
Why? Matt. 25:26-30.
NoTE.—The transfer of the unused talent
to the steward with ten talents teaches an
important lesson. The lord placed his unim-
proved talent where it would produce maxi-
mum returns.
God's Gifts to His Church
6. Name some of the talents be-
stowed to enlarge the soul-winning
(187
NOTE.—"The special gifts of the Spirit
are not the only talents represented in the
parable. It includes all gifts and endow-
ments, whether original or acquired, natu-
ral or spiritual. All are to be employed in
Christ's service. In becoming His disciples,
we surrender ourselves to Him with all that
we are and have. These gifts He returns to
us purified and ennobled, to be used for His
glory in blessing our fellow men."—Christ's
Object Lessons, page 328.
7. What is the purpose of these
gifts? Eph. 4:12, 13.
The Stewardship of Time
8. How does the psalmist describe
the brevity of man's life? Ps. 90:10.
Compare Ps. 39:4.
NoTE.—"It is the duty of every Christian
to acquire habits of order, thoroughness,
and dispatch. There is no excuse for slow
bungling at work of any character. When
one is always at work and the work is
never done, it is because mind and heart
are not put into the labor. The one who is
slow and who works at a disadvantage,
should realize that these are faults to be
corrected. He needs to exercise his mind
in planning how to use the time so as to
secure the best results."—Christ's Object
Lessons, page 344.
"If every moment were valued and
rightly employed, we should have time for
everything that we need to do for ourselves
or for the world."—The Ministry of Heal-
ing, page 208.
9. In what words did Jesus empha-
size the importance of the proper use
of time? John 9:4.
NOTE.—"The life of Christ from His ear-
liest years was a life of earnest activity. He
lived not to please Himself."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons, page 345.
 10. What admonition is given to
stewards who await their Lord's re-
turn? Luke 19:13. MANY A PERSON
SQUANDERS T7E MOST
PRECIOUS GIFT GOD
HAS GIVEN HIM -
T1 ME.
Non.—"The inquiry of each one should
be: What have I of my Lord's, and how
shall I use it to His glory? 'Occupy,' says
Christ, 'till I come.' . . . If our talents are
invested for the salvation of our fellow
men, God will be glorified."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 668.
11. What promise is given to older
Christians? Ps. 92:13, 14.

NoTE.—With increased leisure time come

increased opportunities for service and in- NOTE.-"A study of women's work in
creased responsibility to render a faithful connection with the cause of God in Old
stewardship of our time. God-centered re- Testament times will teach us lessons that
tirement, instead of self-centered, will result will enable us to meet emergencies in the
in a great fruitage of souls. work today. We may not be brought into
such a critical and prominent place as were
Stewards in Time's Last Hour the people of God in the time of Esther;
but often converted women can act an
12. Why does the apostle Paul important part in more humble positions."
—Ellen G. White supplement in The Sev-
urge the believers to work zealously? enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
Rom. 13:11. 3, p. 1140.
"The decree that will finally go forth
against the remnant people of God will be
very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus
13. To whom and for what pur- against the Jews. Today the enemies of the
pose should we reserve a portion of true church see in the little company keep-
our time? Gal. 6:10. ing the Sabbath commandment, a Morde-
cai at the gate. The reverence of God's
people for His law, is a constant rebuke to
those who have cast off the fear of the
NoTE.—"Now is our time to labor for the Lord, and are trampling on His Sabbath."
salvation of our fellow men. There are —Prophets and Kings, page 605.
some who think that if they give money to
the cause of Christ, this is all they are re- 15. In view of the nearness of the
quired to do ; the precious time in which end, how are we to occupy our time?
they might do personal service for Him Eph. 5:15, 16.
passes unimproved. But it is the privilege
and duty of all who have health and
strength to render to God active service.
All are to labor in winning souls to Christ.
Nora.—"Making the most of the time,
Donations of money cannot take the place
because the days are evil." (R.S.V.)
of this."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 343.
"The only way in which we can redeem
our time is by making the most of that
14. What is expected of the true which remains, by being co-workers with
steward in a time of trial or emer- God in His great plan of redemption."—
gency? Esther 4:14. Christ's Object Lessons, page 342.
[ 19]
 Lesson 6, for November 7, 1959

The Stewardship of Our Abilities

MEMORY VERSE: "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to

that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 2 Cor. 8:12.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 333-365; "Counsels on Steward-
ship," pages 111-130; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 87-90; "The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in
"Review and Herald" of October 22.
LESSON AIM: To show that our God-given abilities should be used for His glory
and to benefit His children.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0 Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read from
Sunday: Questions 1-4; read from Study Helps.
Study Helps. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-14.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from Thursday: Finish reading from
Study Helps. ❑ Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline III. The Use of Varied Arts and Skills

Introduction
I. The Stewardship of the Mind,
Speech, and Influence
1. A sound mind-a gift of God.
2 Tim. 1:6, 7.
2. "Think on these things." Phil. 4:8.
3. Gracious speech. Col. 4:6.
4. Be an example. 1 Tim. 4:12.
II. The Stewardship of Money
5. God, the source of all wealth.
Deut. 8:18.
6. Money to be used for God. Matt.
25:27.
7. In making the tabernacle. Ex.
31:1-6.
8. In building the temple. 1 Chron.
28:21.
9. In the service of the apostolic
church. Acts 6:1-7.
IV. Kindness and Affection in
Stewardship •
10. Kindness and love. Prov. 15:17;
Rom. 12:10.
11. Hospitality. Heb. 13:2.
V. God's Expectations of His Stewards
12. The day of reckoning. Matt. 25:19.
13. The basis of acceptance. 2 Cor. 8:12.
14. Counsel to last-day stewards.
1 Peter 4:7-11.

THE LESSON

Introduction
which the Creator has endowed us, is to be
"All the varied capabilities that men pos- employed for His glory and for the uplift-
sess-of mind and soul and body-are given ing of our fellow men. And in this employ-
them by God, to be so employed as to reach ment is found its purest, noblest, and happi-
the highest possible degree of excellence. est exercise."-Patriarchs and Prophets, page
. . . Every faculty, every attribute, with 595.
1 20]
 The Stewardship of the Mind,
Speech, and Influence
1. How should a sound mind be
regarded, and what use should be
made of it? 2 Tim. 1:6, 7.
NorE.—"God requires the training of the
mental faculties. He designs that His serv-
ants shall possess more intelligence and
clearer discernment than the worldling, and
He is displeased with those who are too
careless or too indolent to become efficient,
well-informed workers. The Lord bids us
love Him with all the heart, and with all
the soul, and with all the strength, and
with all the mind. This lays upon us the
obligation of developing the intellect to its
fullest capacity, that with all the mind we
may know and love our Creator."—Christ's
Object Lessons, page 333.
2. What is Paul's program for posi-
tive Christian thinking? Phil. 4:8.
NOTE.—"This will require earnest prayer
and unceasing watchfulness. We must be
aided by the abiding influence of the Holy
Spirit, which will attract the mind upward,
and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy
things."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 460.
3. What type of speech should char-
acterize God's stewards? Col. 4:6.
NorE.—"The power of speech is a talent
that should be diligently cultivated. Of all
the gifts we have received from God, none
is capable of being a greater blessing than
this."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 335.
"The religion of Jesus softens whatever
is hard and rough in the temper, and
smooths whatever is rugged and sharp in
the manners. It makes the words gentle
and the demeanor winning."—Gospel Work-
ers, page 122.
4. In what ways did Paul admonish
Timothy to be an example? I. Tim.
4:12.
[21 ]
NorE.—"The humblest and poorest of the
disciples of Jesus can be a blessing to oth-
ers. They may not realize that they are do-
ing any special good, but by their uncon-
scious influence they may start waves of
blessing that will widen and deepen, and
the blessed results they may never know
until the day of final reward."—Steps to
Christ, page 83 (1908 ed., p. 88).
"Our profession may be as high as
heaven, but it will save neither ourselves
nor our fellow men unless we are Chris-
tians. A right example will do more to
benefit the world than all our profession."
—Christ's Object Lessons, page 383.
"Let us remember that a Christlike life
is the most powerful argument that can be
advanced in favor of Christianity, and that
a cheap Christian character works more
harm in the world than the character of a
worldling."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 21.
"The influence of a true, godly life cannot
be measured. It reaches beyond the im-
mediate circle of home and friends, shed-
ding a light that wins souls to Jesus."—
Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 143.
The Stewardship of Money
5. What basic principle should be
remembered in the accumulation of
wealth? Deut. 8:18.
6. What utilization should be made
of funds entrusted to us? Matt. 25:27.
NorE.—"Money has great value, because
it can do great good. . . . But money is of
no more value than sand, only as it is put
to use in providing for the necessities of
life, in blessing others, and advancing the
cause of Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 351.
The Use of Varied Arts and Skills
7. How were God-given talents used
in the building of the tabernacle? Ex.
31:1-6.

ALL THE CAPABILITIES
WE POSSESS ARE GIVEN
OF GOD.
NoTE.—"Skill in the common arts is a
gift from God. He provides both the gift
and the wisdom to use the gift aright."—
Counsels to Teachers, page 314.
"There are men of the world who have
God-given powers of organization, which
are needed in the carrying forward of the
work for these last days. All are not
preachers; but men are needed who can
take the management of the institutions
where industrial work is carried on, men
who in our conferences can act as leaders
and educators."—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 140.
8. How did the building of the tem-
ple illustrate that there is a place for
men of various skills in God's work?
1 Chron. 28:21.
9. How did the apostles solve the
perplexing problems that confronted
them when their numbers increased?
Acts 6:1-7.
NoTE.—"These officers gave careful con-
sideration to individual needs as well as to
the general financial interests of the church,
and by their prudent management and their His servants, the return from every talent
godly example, they were an important aid will be scrutinized. The work done reveals
to their fellow officers in binding together the character of the worker."—Christ's Ob-
the various interests of the church into a
[ 22 ]
united whole."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 89.
Almost limitless opportunities for Chris-
tian service await the steward who will
use his God-entrusted talents in the work
of the church. Every Sabbath school mem-
ber has a responsibility to use systemati-
cally and proportionately his abilities in
the service of God. "Pure religion and un-
defiled before God and the Father is this,
to visit. . . ." James 1:27. The backsliders,
the sick, the lonely and discouraged, need
to be visited, as well as our neighbors.
Kindness and Affection in
Stewardship
10. What observations and counsel
are given regarding kindness and
love? Prov. 15:17; Rom. 12:10.
NoTE.—"Kindly affections, generous im-
pulses, and a quick apprehension of spiritual
things are precious talents, and lay their
possessor under a weighty responsibility.
All are to be used in God's service."—
Christ's Object Lessons, page 352.
11. What Christian grace should
we remember to practice at all times?
Heb. 13:2.
NOTE.—"These acts of courtesy [by
Abraham and Lot] God thought of suf-
ficient importance to record in His word;
and more than a thousand years later they
were referred to by an inspired apostle."
—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 342.
God's Expectations of His
Stewards
12. What must all stewards expect?
Matt. 25:19.
NoTE.—"When the Lord takes account of
ject Lessons, page 360.
 "In the great judgment day those who
have not worked for. Christ, those who have
drifted along, carrying no responsibility,
thinking of themselves, pleasing themselves,
will be placed by the Judge of all the earth
with those who did evil. They receive the
same condemnation."—Ibid., p. 365.
13. What is the basis of acceptable
service to God? 2 Cor. 8:12.
14. What measure of service is ex-
pected of all stewards? 1 Peter 4:7-11.
NorE.—"The apostle's words were writ-
ten for the instruction of believers in every
age, and they have a special significance
for those who live at the time when 'the
end of all things is at hand.' His exhorta-
tions and warnings, and his words of faith
and courage, are needed by every soul who
would maintain his faith 'steadfast unto
the end.' "— The Acts of the Apostles, page
518.

Lesson 7, for November 14, 1959

Stewardship Recognized in Worship

MEMORY VERSE: "0 worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him,
all the earth." Ps. 96:9.
STUDY HELPS: "Prophets and Kings," pages 48-50; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 491-
500; "Education," pages 242-245; "Gospel Workers," pages 330-336; "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson
Help in "Review and Herald" of October 29.
LESSON AIM: To help us appreciate that the fellowship of worship with our Crea-
tor is the highest privilege of a steward, and that it should be entered into
with spiritual understanding.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from
Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read from
Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 9, 10; read
❑ from Study Helps. ❑
Thursday: Questions 11-13; read
❑ from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑

Lesson Outline 3. To experience transformation in the

presence of God. Isa. 6:1, 5-8.
Introduction 4. To have Jesus' presence in the
I. Man's Highest Privilege midst of worshipers. Matt. 18:20.
1. Called to worship. Ps. 96:8, 9; II. The Example of Jesus
100:4, 5.
2. To worship the Creator. Ps. 5. Attended the house of worship.
95:2-6. Luke 4:16.
[ 23]
 6. Prayer and communion with the
Father. Luke 6:12, 13; 9:28, 29;
Matt. 26:36.
Ill. The Worshiper and Public Worship
7. God's house established for all peo-
ple. Isa. 56:7, last part.
8. In the house of God. Lev. 19:30;
Eccl. 5:1.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"True reverence for God is inspired by a
sense of His infinite greatness and a realiza-
tion of His presence. With this sense of the
Unseen, every heart should be deeply im-
pressed. The hour and place of prayer are
sacred, because God is there. And as rever-
ence is manifested in attitude and demeanor,
the feeling that inspires it will be deep-
ened."-Prophets and Kings, pages 48, 49.
Man's Highest Privilege
1. How are the people of God ex-
horted to worship? Ps. 96:8, 9; 100:
4, 5.
NOTE.-"Although God dwells not in
temples made with hands, yet He honors
with His presence the assemblies of His
people. He has promised that when they
come together to seek Him, to acknowledge
their sins, and to pray for one another, He
will meet with them by His Spirit. .
Those who worship God must worship
Him 'in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship Him.' "-Prophets
and Kings, page 50.
2. What specific reasons are given
for engaging in the act of worship?
Ps. 95:2-6.
3. When a man enters the presence
of God as a worshiper, what trans-
formation should take place in his
life? Isa. 6:1, 5-8.
24
IV. The Worshiper's Attitude and
Response
9. Jesus' love for His church. Eph.
5:25.
10. Respect for leaders. Acts 23:5.
11. Faithful church attendance. Heb.
10:25.
12. A participant. Eph. 5:19; Mal.
3:16.
13. Acceptable response. Matt. 7:21.
NOTE.-"Isaiah had seen the King, the
Lord of hosts; . . . and the prophet was
nerved for the work before him. Through-
out his long and arduous mission he carried
with him the memory of this vision."-
Prophets and Kings, page 310.
"The live coal is symbolical of purifica-
tion, and it also represents the potency of
the efforts of God's true servants."-Gos-
pel Workers, page 23.
4. What assuring promise did Jesus
make to worshipers who assemble in
His name? Matt. 18:20. Compare
Ps. 77:13.
The Example of Jesus
5. What was Jesus' custom of wor-
ship? Luke 4:16.
6. Cite instances showing the im-
portance Jesus attached to private and
group prayer. Luke 6:12, 13; 9:28, 29;
Matt. 26:36.
NoTE.-"Near the entrance to the gar-
den, Jesus left all but three of the disciples,
bidding them pray for themselves and for
Him. With Peter, James, and John, He en-
tered its secluded recesses. . . . Often they
had passed the night with Him in this re-
treat. On these occasions, after a season of
watching and prayer, they would sleep un-
disturbed at a little distance from their
Master, until He awoke them in the morn-

OUR HIGHEST PRIVILEGE, OUR MOST IMPORTANT
APPOINTMENT; IS IN PRAYER WITH GOD.
4039-7
ing to go forth anew to labor. But now He
desired them to spend the night with Him
in prayer."—The Desire of Ages, page 686.
The Worshiper and Public Worship
7. For whom has God's house been
established? Isa. 56:7, last part.
NOTE.—"In the human brotherhood it
takes all kinds of talents to make a per-
fect whole; and the church of Christ is
composed of men and women of varied
talents, and of all ranks and all classes.
God never designed that the pride of men
should dissolve that which His own wisdom
had ordained,—the combination of all
classes of minds, of all the varied talents
that make a complete whole."—Gospel
Workers, page 331.
8. How should reverence be shown
by the worshipers in the house of
God? Lev. 19:30; Eccl. 5:1.
NOTE.—"When the worshipers enter the
place of meeting, they should do so with
decorum, passing quietly to their seats.
. . . Common talking, whispering, and
laughing should not be permitted in the
house of worship, either before or after the
service. Ardent, active piety should charac-
[ 25 ]
terize the worshipers." "When the word
is spoken, you should remember, brethren,
that you are listening to the voice of God
through His delegated servant. Listen at-
tentively." "All should be taught to be
neat, clean, and orderly in their dress, but
not to indulge in that external adorning
which is wholly inappropriate for the sanc-
tuary."—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 492, 493,
499.
The Worshiper's Attitude and
Response
9. What is said of Jesus' love for
His church? Eph. 5:25.
NOTE.—"Enfeebled and defective as it
may appear, the church is the one object
upon which God bestows in a special sense
His supreme regard. It is the theater of
His grace, in which He delights to reveal
His power to transform hearts."—The Acts
of the.Apostles, page 12.
10. Why should respect be shown
for God's representatives? Acts 23:5.
NOTE.—"Reverence should be shown for
God's representatives—for ministers, teach-
ers, and parents who are called to speak and
act in His stead. In the respect shown to
them He is honored."—Education, page
244. •• -
11. Why is regular and faithful
church attendance especially impor-
tant in these days? Heb. 10:25.
NOTE.—"To be a member-of the body of
Christ is a sacred privilege that must not
be compared with any other relationship
in life. . . . Attendance at Sabbath school,
Sabbath worship, and prayer meeting
should be considered not only a duty, as it
is, but also a privilege. . . . If one is to be
a resident in another place where there is a
church, the membership should be trans-
ferred. If, on the other hand, the stay is
to be only temporary, or if for other rea-
sons one does not wish to have his mem-
bership transferred, then it is the duty of
the member to keep the church fully in-
formed as to his spiritual experience. . . .
"Another way for the member to keep
contact is to send back to his church at
regular periods his tithe and general offer-
ings. This at least would be some evidence
of his faith in the truth and would keep the
officers informed as to his whereabouts."—
Frederick Lee, "The Sacredness of Church
Membership," Review and Herald, April
26, 1956.
12. Mention some of the ways in
which a Christian steward may ac-
tively participate in worship. Eph. 5:
19; Mal. 3:16.
13. What response on the part of
the worshiper gives reality to his stew-
ardship and makes his worship ac-
ceptable to God? Matt. 7:21.
NoTE.—"When benevolence, kindness, ten-
derheartedness, sympathy, are manifest in
our lives; when the joy of rightdoing is in
our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not
self, we may know that our faith is of the
right order. 'Hereby we do know that we
know Him, if we keep His commandments.'
1 John 2:3."—Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing, 1956 ed., pp. 146, 147.

Lesson 8, for November 21, 1959

God's Security Plan

MEMORY VERSE: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and
all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33.
STUDY HELPS: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 88-101 (1943
ed., pp. 133-150); "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 13-19, 89-91, 342-344;
"Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 391-397; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of
November 5.
LESSON AIM: To help us to appreciate the privilege of laying up treasure in heaven
by contributing our time, abilities, and money for the proclamation of the
gospel.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 9, 10; read
Sunday: Questions 1-3. ❑ from Study Helps. ❑
Monday: Questions 4, 5; read from Thursday: Questions 11, 12; read
Study Helps. ❑ from Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 6-8. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Insecurity of Earthly Treasure
1. Destructive forces. Matt. 6:19.
2. Danger of forgetting God. Deut.
8:11-14, 17, 19.
3. The uncertainty of material things.
1 Tim. 6:7, 17.
L 26 ]
II. The Security of Heavenly Treasure
4. God's bank. Matt. 6:19-21.
5. God's promise of security. Matt.
6:33.
III. Principles of Sound Investment
6. Recognize God's ownership.
Ps. 24:1; Hag. 2:8.
 7. Honor God first. Prov. 3:9.
8. Follow Jesus' admonition. Luke
6:38.
IV. The Minimum Proportion
9. Example of tithers. Gen. 14:20;
28:20-22.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Treasure laid up on earth will not en-
dure; thieves break through and steal; moth
and rust corrupt; fire and storm sweep
away your possessions. And 'where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.'
Treasure laid up on the earth will engross
the mind to the exclusion of heavenly
things."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 88
The Insecurity of Earthly Treasure
1. In the Sermon on the Mount,
what counsel did Jesus give regarding
earthly treasure? Matt. 6:19.
2. What dangers come from the
accumulation of possessions? Deut.
8:11-14, 17, 19.
NorE.—"The love of money was the rul-
ing passion in the Jewish age. Worldliness
usurped the place of God and religion in the
soul. So it is now. Avaricious greed for
wealth exerts such a fascinating, bewitch-
ing influence over the life that it results in
perverting the nobility and corrupting the
humanity of men until they are drowned
in perdition. The service of Satan is full of
care, perplexity, and wearing labor, and
the treasure men toil to accumulate on
earth is only for a season."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., pp.
88, 89.
3. In view of man's relationship to
this world, what specific instruction
did God give through the apostle
Paul? 1 Tim. 6:7, 17.
[27 7
10. The tithe is the Lord's. Lev. 27:30;
Mal. 3:10.
V. Thanksgiving for His Benefits
11. Our response. Ps. 116:12-14; 92:1.
12. How to demonstrate appreciation.
2 Cor. 5:14, 15 ; Rom. 14:7.
NorE.—"Then let your property go be-
forehand to heaven. Lay up your treasures
beside the throne of God. Make sure your
title to the unsearchable riches of Christ."
—Christ's Object Lessons, page 375.
The Security of Heavenly Treasure
4. What counsel did Jesus give re-
garding the use of our treasure? For
what reason? Matt. 6:19-21.
NoTE.—"It is for your own interest to se-
cure heavenly riches. These alone, of all
that you possess, are really yours. The
treasure laid up in heaven is imperishable."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
1956 ed., p. 89.
5. How may the Christian steward
be assured of future security? Matt.
6:33.
NorE.—"Where the treasure is, there the
heart will be. In every effort to benefit
others, we benefit ourselves. He who gives
money or time for spreading the gospel
enlists his own interest and prayers for the
work, and for the souls to be reached
through it; his affections go out to others,
and he is stimulated to greater devotion to
God, that he may be enabled to do them
the greatest good.
"And at the final day, when the wealth
of earth shall perish, he who has laid up
treasure in heaven will behold that which
his life has gained."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing, 1956 ed., p. 90.

'•' • WITH ALL OUR SEARCH FOR TEMPORAL
SECURITY, ARE WE USING 00Da
SECURITY PLAN?
AIC,59 -8
Principles of Sound Investment
6. What basic principle must a
steward recognize in order to make
proper investments? Ps. 24:1; Hag.
2:8.
NOTE.—"We should regard ourselves as
stewards of the Lord's property, and God
as the supreme proprietor, to whom we are
to render His own when He shall require
it."—Counsels on Stewardship, page 326.
7. Out of what portion of our in-
crease should our return be made to
the Lord? Prov. 3:9.
NOTE.—"This scripture teaches that God,
as the Giver of all our benefits, has a claim
upon them all; that His claim should be
our first consideration; and that a special
blessing will attend all who honor this
claim."—Counsels on Stewardship, page 65.
8. What principle of generosity
did Jesus advocate? What benefits
will accrue to the giver? Luke 6:38.
NoTE.—"Surely goodness and mercy at-
tend us at every step. Not till we wish the
[ 28 ]
infinite Father to cease bestowing His gifts
on us, should we impatiently exclaim, Is
there no end of giving? Not only should
we faithfully render to God our tithes,
which He claims as His own, but we should
bring a tribute to His treasury as an offer-
ing of gratitude. Let us with joyful hearts
bring to our Creator the first fruits of all
His bounties,—our choicest possessions, our
best and holiest service."—Counsels on
Stewardship, page 18.
The Minimum Proportion
9. What evidence do we have of
the practice of tithing in the patri-
archal age? Gen. 14:20; 28:20-22.
NOTE.—"The tithing system reaches back
beyond the days of Moses. Men were re-
quired to offer to God gifts for religious
purposes before the definite system was
given to Moses, even as far back as the
days of Adam. . . . This was continued
through successive generations, and was car-
ried out by Abraham, who gave tithes to
Melchizedek, the priest of the most high
God."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 393.
10. To whom does the tithe be-
long? What is God's command and
challenge to His children? Lev. 27:
30; Mal. 3:10..
NOTE.—" 'Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse' (Malachi 3:10), is God's com-
mand. No appeal is made to gratitude or to
generosity. This is a matter of simple hon-
esty. The tithe is the Lord's; and He bids
us return to Him that which is His own.
" 'It is required in stewards, that a man
be found faithful.' 1 Corinthians 4:2. If
honesty is an essential principle of business
life, must we not recognize our obligation
to God—the obligation that underlies every
other?"—Education, pages 138, 139.
"Let no one, when brought into a strait
place, take money consecrated to religious
purposes and use it for his advantage, sooth-
ing his conscience by saying that he will
repay it at some future time. Far better
cut down the expenses to correspond with
the income, to restrict the wants, and
live within the means than to use the 12. How may we detrionstrate our
Lord's money for secular purposes."—Tes- love and appreciation for Christ's sac-
timonies, vol. 9, p. 247. rifice on Calvary? 2 Cor. 5:14, 15;
Thanksgiving for His Benefits Rom. 14:7.

11. What are some of the accepted

ways in which we may express' our
thankfulness to God? Ps. 116:12-14;
92:1.
NOTE.—"The Lord does not need our of-
ferings. We cannot enrich Him by our
gifts. Says the psalmist: 'All things come
of Thee, and of Thine own have we given
Thee.' Yet God permits us to show our
appreciation of His mercies by self-sacri-
ficing efforts to extend the same to others.
This is the only way in which it is possible
for us to manifest our gratitude and love to
God. He has provided no other."Coun-
sets on Stewardship, pages 18, 19.
NOTE.—"Christ's believing people are to
perpetuate His love. This love is to draw
them together around the cross. It is to
divest them of all selfishness, and bind them
to God and to one another.
"Meet around the cross of Calvary in
self-sacrifice and self-denial. God will bless
you as you do your best. As you approach
the throne of grace, as you find yourself
bound to this throne by the golden chain
let down from heaven to earth, to draw
men from the pit of sin, your heart will go
out in love for your brethren and sisters
who are without God .ancl. without hope
in the world."---Counsels on Stewardship,
page 16.

Lesson 9, for November 28, 1959

Sharing in Stewardship

MEMORY VERSE: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He
was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty
might be rich." 2 Cor. 8:9.
STUDY HELPS: "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 20-23, 80, 81, 104-107, 323-325;
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 335-345; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald"
of November 12.
LESSON AIM: To help us to see that the consecrated steward shares his time, talent,
treasure, and life in building the kingdom of God.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afteroon: General survey. Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
Sunday: Questions 1-3; read from from Study Helps.
Study Helps. Thursdays: Finish reading from
Monday: Questions 4-6; read from Study Helps. ❑
Study Helps. Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-11.
[ 29]
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Sharing in Building God's House
1. David's personal labor and gifts.
1 Chron. 29:2, 3.
2. Willing, consecrated service.
1 Chron. 29:6, 9.
3. The secret of success. 1 Chron.
29:14, 16.
II. Spiritualized Economics
4. Give self first. 2 Cor. 8:1-5.
5. Principles of giving. 1 Cor. 16:1, 2.
6. Generosity and cheerfulness.
2 Cor. 9:6-8.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"As faithful stewards we are to use it
[money] for the honor and glory of God.
Some think that only a portion of their
means is the Lord's. When they have set
apart a portion for religious and charitable
purposes, they regard the remainder as their
own, to be used as they see fit. But in this
they mistake. All we possess is the Lord's,
and we are accountable to Him for the use
we make of it."-Christ's Object Lessons,
page 351.
Sharing in Building God's House
1. To what extent did David par-
ticipate personally in building the
temple at Jerusalem? 1 Chron. 29:2, 3.
NOTE.-"The response came not only in
liberal offerings of treasures to meet the
expense of the building, but also in willing
service in the various lines of God's work.
Hearts were filled with a desire to return to
the Lord His own, by consecrating to His
service all the energies of mind and body."
-Ellen G. White supplement in The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
3, p. 1129.
2. How did the children of Israel
respond to the call for assistance in
[30]
III. The Church's Educational
Responsibility
7. Duty to teach all of God's require-
ments. Matt. 28:20.
8. Support of the church. Ex. 27:20.
9. A question all must face. Luke 16:5.
10. The significance of "Our Father."
Matt-. 6:9, 10; Mal. 2:10.
11. The cause of the needy. Job
29:12-16.
IV. The Supreme Example
12. Sharing the riches of His grace.
2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:9.
13. The Motive for our sharing. Matt.
22:37-39.
the building of the house of God?
1 Chron. 29:6, 9.
NoTE.-"Give what you can now, and as
you co-operate with Christ, your hand will
open to impart still more. And God will
refill your hand, that the treasure of truth
may be taken to many souls. He will give
to you that you may give to others."-
Counsels on Stewardship, page 50.
3. What fundamental stewardship
principle did the people recognize,
and what was the result? 1 Chron.
29:14, 16.
Nora.-"There is no limit to the useful-
ness of one who, putting self aside, makes
room for the working of the Holy Spirit
upon his heart and lives a life wholly con-
secrated to God. All who consecrate body,
soul, and spirit to His service will be con-
stantly receiving a new endowment of
physical, mental, and spiritual power. The
inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at
their command."-The Ministry of Heal-
ing, page 159.
Spiritualized Economics
4. What fact accounts for the un-
usual liberality of the Macedonian be-
lievers? 2 Cor. 8:1-5.
 5. In what systematic way should
a Christian practice the stewardship
of his means? 1 Cor. 16:1, 2.
NoTE.—"This matter of giving is not left
to impulse. God has given us definite in-
struction in regard to it. He has specified
tithes and offerings as the measure of our
obligation. And He desires us to give regu-
larly and systematically. . . . Let each
regularly examine his income, which is all a
blessing from God, and set apart the tithe
as a separate fund, to be sacredly the
Lord's. This fund should not in any case
be devoted to any other use; it is to be
devoted solely to support the ministry of
the gospel. After the tithe is set apart, let
gifts and offerings be apportioned, 'as God
hath prospered' you."—Counsels on Stew-
ardship, pages 80, 81.
"We are not to consecrate to Him what
remains of our income after all our real or
imaginary wants are satisfied; but before
any portion is consumed, we should set
apart that which God has specified as His."
—Ibid., p. 81.
6. What fundamental principles
should the Christian steward remem-
ber and practice? 2 Cor. 9:6-8.
NoTE.—"Says the wise man, 'There is
that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and
there is that withholdeth more than is meet,
but it tendeth to poverty.' And the same
lesson is taught in the New Testament by
the apostle Paul: [2 Cor. 9:6, 8 quoted
here]."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 528.
"It means much to sow beside all wa-
ters; it means a continual imparting of gifts
and offerings. God will furnish facilities, so
that that faithful steward of His intrusted
means shall be supplied with a sufficiency
in all things, and be enabled to abound to
every good work."—Testimonies to Minis-
ters, page 424.
The Church's Educational
Responsibility
7. What is the church's responsi-
bility in teaching Christian steward-
ship? Matt. 28:20.
[31]
WE ARE ALL A PART OF THE WEB OF HUMANITY,
BROTHERS IN CHRIST, WITH GOD A$
,099.9 OUR FATHER.
NOTE.-"It is part of the minister's work
to teach those who accept the truth
through his efforts, to bring the tithe to
the storehouse, as an acknowledgment of
their dependence upon God. The new con-
verts should be fully enlightened as to their
fluty to return to the Lord His 'own. The
command to pay tithe is so plain that there
is no semblance of excuse for disregarding it.
He who neglects to give instruction on this
point, leaves undone a most important part
of his work."—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 105.
8. Through what offering did God
teach the Israelites to support and
care for the tabernacle? Ex. 27:20.
NoTE.—"This was to be a continual offer-
ing that the house of God might be properly
supplied with that which was necessary
for His service. His people today are to
remember that the house of worship is the
Lord's property, and that it is to be scrupu-
lously cared for. But the funds for this
work are not to come from the tithe."—
Counsels on Stewardship, page 102.
9. What question will be asked us
concerning our material possessions?
Luke 16:5.
NoTE.—"It is God who blesses men with
property, and He does this that they may
be able to give toward the advancement of
His cause."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 75.
"Those who hold fast their property till
the last moment, surrender it to death
rather than to the cause. . . . Dying charity
is a poor substitute for living benevolence."
—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 154, 155.
"If you want your means to go to the
cause, appropriate it, or all that you do not
really need for a support, while you live."
—Ibid., p. 155.
"God would have every man, during his
lifetime, the executor of his own will in this
matter."—Ibid., vol. 4, p. 81.
"A solemn responsibility rests upon minis-
ters to keep before the churches the needs
of the cause of God and to educate them
to be liberal. When this is neglected, and
the churches fail to give for the necessities
of others, not only does the work of the
Lord suffer, but the blessing that should
come to believers is withheld."—The Acts
of the Apostles, page 341.
10. What is our responsibility when
we pray "Our Father" and "Thy king-
dom come"? Matt. 6:9, 10; Mal. 2:10:
NOTE.—"In calling God our Father, we
recognize all His children as our brethren.
We are all a part of the great web of hu-
manity, all , members of one family. . . .
As children of God, you will hold His honor,
His character, His family, His work, as the
objects of your highest interest. It will
be your joy to recognize and honor your
relation to your Father and to every mem-
ber of His family. You will rejoice to do
any act, however humble, that will tend to
His glory or to the well-being of your kin-
dred."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, 1956 ed., pp. 105, 106.
"Only those who devote themselves to
His service, saying, 'Here am I; send me,'
. . . they alone pray in sincerity, 'Thy
kingdom come.' "—Ibid., p. 109.
"The sympathies of God's people should
be aroused in every church throughout our
land, and there should be unselfish action
Tape-recorded mission appeals for the Thirteenth Sabbath
projects are available for offering promotion in the Sab-
bath school. Order through your Book and Bible House.
[ 32 ]
to meet the necessities of different mission
fields. Men should testify to their interest
in the cause of God by giving of their sub-
stance. If such an interest were manifested,
the bond of Christian brotherhood would
exist and increase in strength between all
the members of Christ's family."—Coun-
sets on Stewardship, pages 38, 39.
11. What does the experience of
Job teach us concerning stewardship?
Job 29:12-16.
The Supreme Example
12. Through what sacrificial act of
Christ did man become a cosharer?
What honored relationship is ours?
2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:9.
NOTE.—"To every soul who will suffer
with Him in resistance of sin, in labor for
His cause, in self-denial for the good of
others, He promises a part in the eternal
reward of the righteous. Through the exer-
cise of the spirit that characterized His life-
work, we are to become partakers of His
nature. Partaking in this life of sacrifice
for the sake of others, we shall share with
Him in the life to come the 'far more ex-
ceeding and eternal weight of glory.' "—
Counsels on Stewardship, pages 25, 26.
13. What should be the motive un-
derlying all our sharing? Matt. 22:
37-39.
NOTE.—"Love must be the principle of
action. Love is the underlying principle of
God's government in heaven and earth, and
it must be the foundation of the Christian's
character. This alone can make and keep
him steadfast. . . . If we love Jesus, we
shall love to live for Him, to present our
thank offerings to Him, to labor for Him."
—Christ's Object Lessons, page 49.
 Lesson 10, for December 5, 1959

The Spiritual Stewardship of the Home

MEMORY VERSE: "And that from a child thou host known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15.

STUDY HELPS: "The Adventist Home," pages 292-325; "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 44-51; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 349-362, 388-394; "Messages
to Young People," pages 325-342; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of
November 19.

LESSON AIM: To remind us that the sacred privileges and obligations connected
with the home involve the highest and noblest forms of stewardship, and that
individually we have definite stewardship responsibilities.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from
Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-5; read from
Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 6-8; read 'from
Study Helps.
❑ Wednesday: Questions 9-13.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
❑ Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson. ❑

Lesson Outline
Introduction
• I. The Home—A Divine Institution
1. Man's first home a pattern. Gen.
2:8, 9, 15.
2. Marriage instituted by God. Gen.
2:18, 21-24.
II. Parental Responsibility
3. Children a heritage of God. Ps.
127:3.
4. Careful training of children en-
joined. Prov. 22 :6.
5. Any neglect to be met in judgment.
Jer. 13:20, last part.
III. Responsibility of Children
6. Example of Jesus. Luke 2:51, 52.
[ 33]
7. Paul's instruction. Eph. 6:1;
Col. 3:20.
8. Attitude of God-fearing youth.
Lam. 3:27.
IV. The Family Altar
9. Example of Abraham. Gen. 12:8.
10. Systematic and regular instruction.
Deut. 6:5-7.
V. Results of Home Influences
11. A stalwart, heaven-directed char-
acter, conscious of true life values.
Heb. 11:23-26.
12. Unfeigned faith and knowledge of
Scriptures. 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15.
13. A reformation in parent-child
relationship. Mal. 4:5, 6.
 THE LESSON
Introduction
"What example do you give your chil-
dren? What order do you have at home?
Your children should be educated to be
kind, thoughtful of others, gentle, easy to
be entreated, and, above everything else, to
respect religious things and feel the im-
portance of the claims of God. They should
be taught to respect the hour of prayer;
they should be required to rise in the
morning so as to be present at family wor-
ship."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 424.
The Home—A Divine Institution
1. What kind of home, as a model
for future generations, did God estab-
lish for our first parents? Gen. 2:8,
9, 15.
NoTE.—"The home of our first parents
was to be a pattern for other homes as
their children should go forth to occupy the
earth. That home, beautified by the hand
of God Himself, was not a gorgeous palace.
Men, in their pride, delight in magnificent
and costly edifices, and glory in the works
of their own hands; but God placed Adam
in a garden."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 49.
2. How and under what conditions
did the institution of marriage origi-
nate? Gen. 2:18, 21-24.
NoTE.—"God celebrated the first mar-
riage. Thus the institution has for its origi-
nator the Creator of the universe. . . .
When the divine principles are recognized
and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a
blessing; it guards the purity and happiness
of the race, it provides for man's social
needs, it elevates the physical, the intellec-
tual, and the moral nature."—Patriarchs
and Prophets, page 46.
Parental Responsibility
3. By what statement does God set
[ 34
forth the stewardship responsibility
of parents? Ps. 127:3.
NoTE.—"Upon them [the parents] de-
pends in a great measure the well-being of
their children in this world, and their hap-
piness in the world to come. To a great
extent they determine both the physical
and the moral stamp that the little ones
receive."—The Ministry of Healing, page
357.
4. What promise is given to par-
ents who faithfully discharge their
obligations? Prov. 22:6.
NoTE.—"This language is positive. The
training that Solomon enjoins is to direct,
educate, develop. But in order for parents
to do this work, they must themselves un-
derstand the 'way' the child should go.
It is impossible for parents to give their
children proper training unless they first
give themselves to God, learning of the
Great Teacher lessons of obedience to His
will."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, page 108.
5. What searching question is asked
of all parents, teachers, and spiritual
leaders? Jer. 13:20, last part.
NOTE.-" 'Where is the flock?' Zion per-
sonified is being addressed, as shown by the
gender of the pronoun 'thee,' which, in the
Hebrew, is feminine. The flock represents
the inhabitants of Judah. These, Zion
should have tenderly cared for. But she
indulged in iniquity and basely neglected
the 'Lord's flock' (v. 22).
"The question is asked against the back-
ground of the invasion already in progress,
as indicated by the clause, `behold them
that come from the north.' The prophet's
searching question receives no answer. Like
the man without a wedding garment, Zion
remains 'speechless' (Matt. 22:12). In fact,
the question requires no answer. The pain-
ful truth is all too evident. The day of
probation has passed. The flock is passing
into enemy hands.
 "The same searching question is directed
at parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders.
God has entrusted precious souls to their
care. He will require a strict account of
those who are guardians of His flock."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary, on Jer. 13:20.
Compare The Desire of Ages, page 641,
last paragraph: "To every soul a trust is
given. Of everyone the Chief Shepherd will
demand, 'Where is the flock that was given
thee, thy beautiful flock?' And 'what wilt
thou say when He shall punish thee?' Jer.
13:20, 21."

Responsibility of Children 1_ _
,1(f-
,..-\\
4s.-1...‘,... .
WA
THE CHRISTIAN HOME AT STUDY IS A TRAIN INS
6. Which aspects of the life of Je- CENTER FORTH'S LIFE AND FOR THE
4 ,„9 _,c, WORLD HEREAFTER.
sus as a child serve as an example for
children today? Luke 2:51, 52.
10. What instruction is given con-
cerning regular and systematic spirit-
7. What instruction is given to ual stewardship of the home? Deut.
children? Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20., 6:577.

8. What observation does Jeremiah NOTE.—"In every Christian, home God

make concerning a youth's bearing
responsibility? Lam. 3:27.
NOTE.—"The young are naturally in-
clined to feel that not much responsibility,
caretaking, or burden-bearing is expected of
them. But upon every one rests the obliga-
tion to reach the Bible standard."—Mes-
sages to Young People, page 368.
The Family Altar
9. How did Abraham demonstrate
his spiritual responsibility for his
household? Gen. 12:8.
NoTE.—"Abraham, 'the friend of God,'
set us a worthy example. . . . Wherever he
pitched his tent, close beside it was set up
his altar, calling all within his encampment
to the morning and the evening sacrifice.
When his tent was removed, the altar re-
mained."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page
128.
[ 35 ]
should be honored by the morning and
evening sacrifices of prayer and praise. Chil-
dren should be taught to respect and rever-
ence the hour of prayer. It is the duty of
Christian parents, morning and evening, by
earnest prayer and persevering faith, to
make a hedge about their children."—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Stu-
dents, page 110.
"The Sabbath school affords to parents
and children an opportunity for the study
of God's word.• . 'Parents, set apart a
little time each day for the study of the
Sabbath school lesson with your children.
Give up the social visit if need be, rather
than sacrifice the hour devoted to. the les-
sons of sacred history. Parents as well as
children will receive benefit from this study.
Let the more important passages of Scrip-
ture connected with the lesson be committed
to memory, not as a task, but as a privi-
lege."—Ibid., p. 137.
Results of Home Influences.
11. What far-reaching results are
observed in the training of Moses?
Heb. 11:23-26.
 NorE.—"The lessons that the child learns
during the first seven years of life have
more to do with forming his character
than all that it learns in future years."—
Child Guidance, page 193.
12. How did the dedicated life of
Timothy reflect his early home train-
ing? 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15.
13. What promised blessings may
parents expect if they fulfill their
spiritual obligations in the home?
Mal. 4:5, 6.
NOTE.—"If parents give their children
the proper education, they themselves will
be made happy by seeing the fruit of their
careful training in the Christlike character
of their children. They are doing God the
highest service by presenting to the world
well-ordered, well-disciplined families, who
not only fear the Lord, but honor and
glorify Him by their influence upon other
families; and they will receive their re-
ward."
"Work earnestly and untiringly for them.
God will hear your prayers and will draw
them to Himself. Then, at the last great
day, you can bring them to God, saying,
`Here am I, and the children whom Thou
hast given me.'"—The Adventist Home,
pages 533, 536.

Lesson 11, for December 12, 1959

Covetousness, a Hindrance to True Stewardship

MEMORY VERSE: "And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetous-
ness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he
possesseth." Luke 12:15.
STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 494-498; "Christ's Object Les-
sons," pages 252-259; "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 209-216; "Testimo-
nies," vol. 3, pp. 545-547; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,"
on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of November 26.
LESSON AIM: To help us see how the quest for material possessions may enrich
the purse but at the same time impoverish the soul.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from
Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 3-7; read from
Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; read from
Study Helps. 0
❑ Wednesday: Questions 10-14. 0
Thursday: Finish reading from
❑ Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline
1. It will bar one from heaven.
Introduction Eph. 5:5.
2. It draws a curse upon the individ-
I. The Effect and Influence of Covetous- ual and the church. Joshua 7:1, 12,
ness 20.22 ; 2 Peter 2:14, 15.
36 ]
II. Jesus' Warning Through Direct
Advice and Parable
3. Our Saviour's entreaty. Luke
12:15.
4. The rich farmer's crop. Luke 12:16.
5. His decision. Luke 12:17-19.
6. God's decision. Luke 12:20.
7. The lesson for us. Luke 12:21.
Ill. How to Overcome Covetousness
8. Counteracting measures. Matt.
10:8, last part; Prov. 3:27, 28.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In proportion as the love of Christ fills
our hearts and controls our lives, covetous-
ness, selfishness, and love of ease will be
overcome, and it will be our pleasure to do
the will of Christ, whose servants we claim
to be. Our happiness will then be propor-
tionate to our unselfish works, prompted by
the love of Christ."-Testimonies, vol. 3,
p. 382.
The Effect and Influence of
Covetousness
1. What does God consider covet-
ousness to be, and what will this sin
do to us? Eph. 5:5.
NorE.-"Those who allow a covetous
spirit to take possession of them cherish
and develop those traits of character which
will place their names on the record books
of heaven as idolaters. All such are classed
with thieves, revilers, and extortioners,
none of whom, the word of God declares,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. 'The
wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and
blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord ab-
horreth.' Covetous attributes are ever op-
posed to the exercise of Christian benefi-
cence. The fruits of selfishness always
reveal themselves in a neglect of duty, and
in a failure to use God's entrusted gifts for
the advancement of His work. . . . No
covetous person can pass through the pearly
gates; for all covetousness is idolatry."-
CounseLs on Stewardship, page 26.
[37]
9. Christ-directed charity. Matt.
25:40.
IV. Observations and Admonitions
10. Covetousness specifically forbidden
in the Decalogue. Ex. 20:17.
11. A life rule for rich and poor alike.
Ps. 62:10.
12. The basis of evaluation. Mark
12:41-44.
13. The unselfish life. 2 Cor. 5:17.
14. The cure for covetousness. 2 Cor.
9:6, 7.
2. To what extremes may the spirit
of covetousness lead an individual?
What may such a course of action
mean to the church? Joshua 7:1, 12,
20-22; 2 Peter 2:14, 15.
Nora.-"If when Achan yielded to temp-
tation he had been asked if he wished to
bring defeat and death into the camp of
Israel, he would have answered: 'No, no!
is thy servant a dog that he should do this
great wickedness?' But he lingered over the
temptation to gratify his own covetousness;
and when the opportunity was presented,
he went further than he had purposed in his
heart. It is exactly in this way that individ-
ual members of the church are imper-
ceptibly led on to grieve the Spirit of God,
to defraud their neighbors, and to bring the
frown of God upon the church."-Testi-
monies, vol. 4, pp. 492, 493.
"Balaam was once a good man and a
prophet of God; but he had apostatized,
and had given himself up to covetousness;
yet he still professed to be a servant of the
Most High."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 439.
Jesus' Warning Through Direct
Advice and Parable
3. What terse warning did Jesus
give against covetousness? For what
reason? Luke 12:15.
 NOTE.—"Covetousness may be defined as
undue affection for the material things of
life, especially those belonging to someone
else."—The Seventh-day Adventist 'Bible
Commentary, vol. 5, p. 796 (on Luke
12:15).
4. In the parable of the rich farmer,
what is mentioned regarding his har-
vest? Luke 12:16.
5. What perplexing situation now
confronted the farmer? What deci-
sion did he reach? Luke 12:17-19.
NoTE.—"The situation of the poor, the
orphan, the widow, the suffering, the af-
flicted, was brought to this rich man's atten-
tion; there were many places in which to
bestow his goods."—Christ's Object Les-
sons, page 256.
Observe the number of "I's" and "my's"
in these verses. "My" has been called .the
devil's pronoun. It hardens the heart
against the needs of our brothers and the
claims of God, the giver and owner of all.
The rich man offered no word of thanksgiv-
ing or gratitude to God for His blessings.
His covetous spirit resulted in pride of
possessions and a failure to recognize his
stewardship responsibilities to God and his
fellow men.
6. What was God's reaction to the
selfish decision of the rich farmer?
Luke 12:20.
NoTE.—"This man's aims were no higher
than those of the beasts that perish. He
lived as if there were no God, no heaven, no
future life; as if everything he possessed
were his own, and he owed nothing to God
or .man. The- psalmist described this rich
man when'he wrote, 'The fool hath said in
his heart, There is no God.' "—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons, pages 257, 258.
• 'God has made a law for His people that
a tenth-of all the increase shall be His.. I
have given you, says God, nine tenths; I
[ 38]
COVETOUSNESS
STOPS GOD'S
BLESSINGS FROM
REACHING THOSE WHO
ARE IN NEED OF
HIS HELP. ,
-
ask one tenth of all the increase. That one
tenth the rich man had withheld from God.
If he had not done this, if he had loved God
supremely instead of loving and serving
himself, he would not have accumulated so
great treasures that there would be lack of
room to bestow them."—Testimonies, vol.
3, p. 546.
7. What lesson should present-day
stewards learn from this parable?
Luke 12:21.
NOTE.—"The picture is true for all time.
You may plan for merely selfish good, you
may gather together treasure, you may
build mansions great and high, as did the
builders of ancient Babylon; but you can-
not build wall so high or gate so strong as
to shut out the messengers of doom. Bel-
shazzar the king 'feasted in his palace,' and
'praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of
brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.' But
the hand of One invisible wrote upon his
walls the words of doom, and the tread of
hostile armies was heard at his palace gates.
'In that night was Belshazzar the king of
the Chaldeans slain,' and an alien monarch
sat upon the throne."—Christ's Object Les-
sons, page 259.
"Covetousness is one of the most corn-
mon and popular sins of the last days, and
has a paralyzing influence upon the soul."
—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 547.
 How to Overcome Covetousness
8. What methods should Christian
stewards use to counteract the spirit of
covetousness? Matt. 10:8, last part;
Prov. 3:27, 28.
NoTE.—"This system is so arranged that
men may give something from their wages
every day and lay by for their Lord a por-
tion of the profits of every investment"—
Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 548.
"God has opened ways in which covet-
ousness can be overcome—by performing
benevolent deeds."—Ibid., p. 545.
"In determining the proportion to be
given to the cause of God, be sure to ex-
ceed, rather than fall short, of the require-
ments of duty. Consider for whom the
offering is to be made. This recollection
will put covetousness to flight."—Ibid., vol.
4, p. 485.
9. How closely does Jesus identify
Himself with our gifts of love and
service? Matt. 25:40.
Observations and Admonitions
10. What specific command has
God given concerning covetousness?
Ex. 20:17.
NoTE.—"The tenth commandment is sup-
plementary to the eighth, for covetousness
is the root from which theft grows. In fact,
the tenth commandment strikes at the roots
of the other nine. . . . It establishes the
principle that the very thoughts of our
hearts come under the jurisdiction of God's
law, that we are as responsible for them as
for our actions."—The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 607
(on Ex. 20:17).
11. What counsel regarding ma-
terial possessions is given to the• rich?
Ps. 62:10.
1 39]
12. On what basis does Jesus evalu-
ate our gifts to Him? Mark 12:41-44.
NOTE.—"Through self-denial, the ,,poor7
est will find ways of obtaining something
to give back to God."—Counsels on Stew-
ardship, page 200.
"Frequently those who receive 'the truth
are among the poor of this world; but they
should not make this an excuse for neg-
lecting those duties which devolve upon
them in view of the precious light they
have received. They should not allow pov-
erty to prevent them from laying up a
treasure in heaven. The bleskngs within
reach of the rich are also within their reach.
If they are faithful in using what little they
do possess, their treasure in heaven will in-
crease according to their fidelity. It is the
motive with which they work, not the
amount they do, that makes their offering
valuable in the sight of Heaven."—Ibid.,
p. 107.
13. Through whom alone, and by
what supernatural act; can the' un-
selfish life be achieved? 2 Cor. 5:17.
NOTE.—"Through the power of Christ,
men and women have broken the chains of
sinful habit. They have renounced 'selfish=
ness. . . . But because this experience is his,
the Christian is not therefore to fold his
hands, content with that which has been
accomplished for him. . . . Each day he
must renew his consecration, each day do
battle with evil. Old habits, hereditary
tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mas-
tery, and against these he is to be ever on
guard, striving in Christ's strength for vic-
tory."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 476,
477.
14. What attitude on the part of the
Christian steward will cure him of
any tendency to covetousness? 2 Cor.
9:6, 7.
 Lesson 12, for December 19, 1959

God's Supreme Gift to Man

MEMORY VERSE: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 43-49, 59-67; "Counsels on Steward-
ship," pages 295-297; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on the
Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of December 3.
LESSON AIM: To remind us of the magnitude of God's love as manifested through
the gift of His Son, and to help us demonstrate our love and thankfulness
to Him.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. ❑ Wednesday: Questions 12-14. ❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4. ❑ Thursday: Finish reading from
Monday: Questions 5-7; read from Study Helps.
Study Helps. ❑ Friday: Review entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 8-11. ❑

Lesson Outline for man's salvation. Acts 4:12;

Introduction
III. The Steward's Response to God's
I. The Birth of the Redeemer
1. Announced by heavenly messen-
gers. Luke 2:10-16.
2. Revealed to earthly potentates.
Matt. 2:1-10.
3. Causes Gentiles to worship Jesus.
Matt. 2:11, first part.
4. Engenders a spirit of grateful
giving. Matt. 2:11, last part.
IV. The Holy Spirit: A Gift and Also
II. Redemption Begins and Ends
in a Gift
5. Christ's gift to man while still in
sin. Rom. 5:7, 8.
6. Redemption's culminating gift-
everlasting life. 1 Cor. 15:51-53.
7. Acceptance of this gift the basis
16:30, 31; John 1:12.
Love
8. Christ the example of love and
sacrifice. Eph. 5:1, 2.
9. The steward's thanksgiving. 2 Cor.
9:15.
10. The motivating power for unself-
ish living. 2 Cor. 5:14, 15.
11. Love's obligation. Rom. 1:14-16.
a Giver of Gifts
12. Jesus' parting gift. John 14:16,
26; Acts 1:8.
13. The evidence of the Spirit's
presence. Gal. 5 :22, 23.
14. The latter rain to be sent in an-
swer to prayer. Zech. 10:1.

THE LESSON

Introduction humble worker for God is following his em-

ployment, angels of God stand by his side,
"The story of Bethlehem is an exhaust- listening to his words, noting the manner
less theme."-The Desire of Ages, page 48. in which his work is done, to see if larger
"While the shepherds were watching their responsibilities may be entrusted to his
flocks on the hills of Bethlehem, angels from hands."-The Ministry of Healing, page
heaven visited them. So today while the 477.
[ 40 ]
 The Birth of the Redeemer
1. In what beautiful words did the
angels announce the birth of Jesus to
the shepherds? What did the shep-
herds immediately do? Luke 2:10-16.
2. Who also visited the newborn
King, and of whom did they inquire
of His place of birth? What purpose
did their visit serve? Matt. 2:1-10.
NOTE.—"The Lord moved upon the Wise
Men to go in search of Jesus, and He di-
rected their course by a star. This star,
leaving them when near Jerusalem, led
them to make inquiries in Judah; for they
thought it was not possible for the chief
priests and scribes to be ignorant of this
great event. The coming of the Wise Men
made the whole nation acquainted with the
object of their journey, and directed their
attention to the important events which
were transpiring."—Ellen G. White sup-
plement in The Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1077.
3. When these visitors came into
the presence of Jesus, what did they
do? Matt. 2:11, first part.
4. In what tangible manner did
they further honor the infant King?
Matt. 2:11, last part.
NorE.—"The Magi had been among the
first to welcome the Redeemer. Their gift
was the first that was laid at His feet. And
through that gift, what privilege of ministry
was theirs! The offering from the heart
that loves, God delights to honor, giving it
highest efficiency in service for Him. If we
have given our hearts to Jesus, we also
shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and
silver, our most precious earthly posses-
sions, our highest mental and spiritual en-
dowments, will be freely devoted to Him
who loved us, and gave Himself for us."—
The Desire of Ages, page 65.
1 41 ]
"While urging upon all the duty of first
bringing their offerings to God, I would
not wholly condemn the practice of making
Christmas and New Year's gifts to our
friends. It is right to bestow upon one
another tokens of love and remembrance if
we do not forget our best Friend."—Review
and Herald, December 26, 1882.
"Christmas day, precious reminder of
the sacrifice made in man's behalf, should
not be devoted to gluttony and self-indul-
gence, thus exalting the creature above the
Creator. Let us who are partakers of this
great salvation show that we have some ap-
preciation of the gift by rendering to God
our thank-offerings."—Review and Herald,
December 11, 1879.
"Let there be recorded in the heavenly
books such a Christmas as has never yet
been seen because of the donations which
shall be given for the sustaining of the
work of God and the upbuilding of His
kingdom."—The Adventist Home, page 483.
Redemption Begins and Ends
in a Gift
5. What is proof of the fact that
God's amazing love far excels all hu-
man virtue? Rom. 5:7, 8.
6. What gift climaxes God's provi-
sion for man's salvation? 1 Cor. 15:
51-53.
NorE.—"Those who see Christ in His
true character, and receive Him into the
heart, have everlasting life. It is through
the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the
Spirit of God, received into the heart by
faith, is the beginning of the life eternal."
—The Desire of Ages, page 388.
7. Where and in whom only can
salvation be found? Acts 4:12; 16:30,
31; John 1:12.
NOTE.—"We must not think that our
own merits will save us; Christ is our only
hope of salvation."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets, page 431.
 The Steward's Response to
God's Love THE PERFECT GIFT FOR
THE MASTER IS A
SURRENDERED
8. In what twofold manner will we HEART,
respond to God's gift of love? Eph.
5:1, 2.

9. As the apostle Paul contemplated

the magnitude of God's gift of grace
that prompted the Macedonian liber-
ality, what words of praise did he use
to express his profound appreciation?
2 Cor. 9:15.

10. What will be the motivating

power in the lives of God's children?
For whom will they live? 2 Cor. 5:
14, 15.
NOTE.—"When self is submerged in Christ,
true love springs forth spontaneously. It is
not an emotion or an impulse, but a deci-
sion of a sanctified will. It consists not in
feeling, but in the transformation of the
whole heart, soul, and character, which is
dead to self and alive unto God. Our Lord
and Saviour asks us to give ourselves to
Him. Surrendering self to God is all He re-
quires, giving ourselves to Him to be em-
ployed as He sees fit. Until we come to
this point of surrender, we shall not work
happily, usefully, or successfully anywhere."
—Ellen G. White supplement in The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
6, pp. 1100, 1101.
11. To what extent did the apostle
Paul recognize his indebtedness to
God to proclaim His gospel? Rom.
1:14-16.
NoTE.—"He [Paul] realized that upon
him rested the obligation of laboring for
all classes of men—for Jew and Gentile,
learned and unlearned, for those occupying
high positions and for those in the most
lowly walks of life."—Ellen G. White sup-
plement in The Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1067.
42
The Holy Spirit: A Gift and Also
a Giver of Gifts
12. For what reasons did Jesus pray
for the bestowal of the Holy Spirit
upon His followers? John 14:16, 26;
Acts 1:8.
NoTE.—"Christ determined that when He
ascended from this earth, He would bestow
a gift on those who had believed on Him,
and those who should believe on Him.
What gift could He bestow rich enough to
signalize and grace His ascension to the
mediatorial throne? It must be worthy of
His greatness and His royalty. He deter-
mined to give His representative, the Third
Person of the Godhead. This gift could
not be excelled."—Ellen G. White supple-
ment in The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 1052, 1053.
13. What evidence of the presence
of the Holy Spirit will be seen in the
lives of God's children? Gal. 5:22, 23.
14. What should the stewards of
God ask for in the time of the latter
rain? What result of such fervent
prayer should be expected? Zech. 10:1.
 NOTE.—"Near the close of earth's harvest,
a special bestowal of spiritual grace is prom-
ised to prepare the church for the coming
of the Son of man. This outpouring of the
Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter
rain; and it is for this added power that
Christians are to send their petitions to the
Lord of the harvest 'in the time of the lat-
ter rain.' In response, 'the Lord shall make
bright clouds, and give them showers of
rain.' He will cause to come down . . .
the rain, the former rain, and the latter
rain.' "—The Acts of the Apostles, page 55.
"Not one of us will ever receive the seal
of God while our characters have one spot
or stain upon them. It is left with us to
remedy the defects in our characters, to
cleanse the soul temple of every defilement.
Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the
early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day
of Pentecost."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 214.

Lesson 13, for December 26, 1959

The Rewards of Faithful Stewardship

MEMORY VERSE: "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faith-

ful." 1 Cor. 4:2.
STUDY HELPS: "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 82-88, 95-100, 127-130, 348-
350; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of December 10.
LESSON AIM: To help us understand that Christian stewardship brings earthly and
heavenly, blessings and satisfactions.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4, 5; read from
Study Helps.
❑ Tuesday: Questions 6-8; read from
❑ Study Helps.
Wednesday: Questions 9-14. ❑
❑ Thursday: Read from Study Helps. 0
Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline
Introduction 5. The challenge to test Him. Mal.
3:10-12.
I. Temptations Endangering Faithful-
ness in Stewardship III. Promises to the Faithful

1. Results of yielding to temptation. 6. Special spiritual blessings. Mal. 4:2.

Hag. 1:5, 6, 9. 7. A reformation in parent-child
2. The underlying cause of material relationship. Mal. 4:5, 6.
losses. Mal. 3:8, 9. 8. Ample spiritual and material goods
3. The basic root of unfaithfulness. to share. 2 Cor. 9:8-10.
Mal. 3:7, first part.
IV. The Fundamental Requirement
II. God's Appeal to the Unfaithful of All Stewards
4. An invitation to return to Him. 9. The essence of stewardship.
Mal. 3:7, last part. 1 Cor. 4:2.
[ 43]
 10. Faithfulness in little things. Luke
16:10; Matt. 25:21.
11. Accountability of every individual.
Luke 16:2.
12. The spirit and motivation of the
waiting steward. Col. 3:23, 24.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"One of the most solemn and yet most
glorious truths revealed in the Bible is that
of Christ's second coming to complete the
great work of redemption. . . . The doc-
trine of the second advent is the very key-
note of the Sacred Scriptures. From the
day when the first pair turned their sorrow-
ing steps from Eden, the children of faith
have waited the coming of the Promised
One to break the destroyer's power and
bring them again to the lost Paradise."—
The Great Controversy, page 299.
Temptations Endangering Faith-
fulness in Stewardship
1. What did God say was the cause
of Israel's financial reverses? Hag. 1:
5, 6, 9.
2. At a later period what did God
say was one of the underlying causes
of their difficulties? Mal. 3:8, 9.
3. How long had a backslidden
condition existed? Mal. 3:7, first part.
God's Appeal to the Unfaithful
4. What gracious invitation is given
to all who have strayed from the path
of faithfulness? Mal. 3:7, last part.
5. What magnanimous promise
does God give to encourage His peo-
ple to honest stewardship? Mal. 3:
10-12.
[ 44 ]
V. The Final Reward
13. God's desire for His church. John
17:3, 19-24.
14. Return of the Master Steward.
John 14:1-3 ; Matt. 25:34.
NoTE.—"The contributions required of
the Hebrews for religious and charitable
purposes amounted to fully one fourth of
their income. So heavy a tax upon the
resources of the people might be expected to
reduce them to poverty; but, on the con-
trary, the faithful observance of these regu-
lations was one of the conditions of their
prosperity."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page
527.
"To defraud God is the greatest crime of
which man can be guilty; and yet this sin
is deep and widespread."—Counsels on
Stewardship, page 86.
"All that is withheld of that which God
claims, the tenth of the increase, is re-
corded in the books of heaven against the
withholders, as robbery. Such defraud their
Creator; and when this sin of neglect is
brought before them, it is not enough for
them to change their course and begin to
work from that time upon the right princi-
ple. . . . Repentance for unfaithful dealing
with God, and for base ingratitude, is re-
quired."—Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 394.
Promises to the Faithful
6. What special blessings in addi-
tion to the national benefits await the
faithful steward? Mal. 4:2.
Nora.—"In the visions of the prophets of
old the Lord of glory was represented as
bestowing special light upon His church in
the days of darkness and unbelief preceding
His second coming. As the Sun of Right-
eousness, He was to arise upon His church,
`with healing in His wings.' And from every
true disciple was to be diffused an influence
for life, courage, helpfulness, and true heal-
ing."—Prophets and Kings, pages 716, 717.
7. What spiritual awakening should
be expected in our homes? Mal. 4:5, 6.

4059,0 --
.IF CHRISTIANS WERE TO ACT IN CONCERT;
MOVING FORWARD AS ONE, UNDER THE
DIRECTION OF ONE ROWER,...THEV WOULD
MOVE THE WORLD.'
8. What further assurance has been
given Christian stewards as they labor
for their Lord? 2 Cor. 9:8-10.
The Fundamental Requirement
of All Stewards
9. What trait of character must
every steward possess? 1 Cor. 4:2.
10. On what basis does the Lord
judge our ability to carry responsi-
bility? Luke 16:10; Matt. 25:21.
NOTE.—"The importance of the little
things is often underrated because they are
small; but they supply much of the actual
discipline of life. There are really no non-
essentials in the Christian's life. Our char-
acter building will be full of peril while we
underrate the importance of the little
things."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 356.
11. What will each steward be re-
quired to do in order to receive the
reward for faithful service? Luke
16:2.
[45]
NOTE.—"The eye of God takes cogni-
zance of every farthing devoted to His
cause, and of the willingness or reluctance
of the giver. The motive in giving is also
chronicled. Those self-sacrificing, conse-
crated ones who render back to God the
things that are His, as He requires of them,
will be rewarded according to their works."
—Counsels on Stewardship, page 196.
"What of your stewardship? Have you
during the past year robbed God in tithes
and offerings? . . . If you have robbed
the Lord, make restitution. As far as pos-
sible, make the past right, and then ask the
Saviour to pardon you. Will you not re-
turn to the Lord His own, before this year,
with its burden of record, has passed into
eternity?"—Ibid., pp. 97, 98.
12. What spirit will characterize
the life of the Christian steward as he
awaits his Lord's return? Col. 3:23, 24.
NoTE.—"Whatever the line of work in
which we engage, the word of God teaches
us to be 'not slothful in business; fervent in
spirit; serving the Lord.' Whatsoever thy
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,'
`knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive
the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve
the Lord Christ.'"—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 346.
"If Christians were to act in concert,
moving forward as one, under the direction
of one Power, for the accomplishment of
one purpose, they would move the world."
—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 221.
The Final Reward
13. What is God's desire for His
church? John 17:3, 19-24.
NOTE.—"All who consecrate soul, body,
and spirit to God will be constantly receiv-
ing a new endowment of physical and men-
tal power. The inexhaustible supplies of
heaven are at their command. Christ gives
them the breath of His own spirit, the
life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts
forth its highest energies to work in heart
and mind. The grace of God enlarges and
multiplies their faculties, and every perfec-
tion of the divine nature comes to their as-
sistance in the work of saving souls.
Through co-operation with Christ they are
complete in Him, and in their human weak-
ness they are enabled to do the deeds of
Omnipotence."—The Desire of Ages, page
827.
14. What promise will the stew-
ard's Master fulfill when He returns?
With what words of welcome will He
greet His faithful stewards? John 14:
1-3; Matt. 25:34.
Nora.—"Thus will be fulfilled Christ's
promise to His disciples, will come again,
[461
and receive you unto Myself.' John 14:3.
Those who have loved Him and waited for
Him, He will crown with glory and honor
and immortality. The righteous dead will
come forth from their graves, and those
who are alive will be caught up with them
to meet the Lord in the air. They will hear
the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music
that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to them,
Your warfare is accomplished. 'Come, ye
blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of
the world.' Matthew 25:34.
"Well might the disciples rejoice in the
hope of their Lord's return."—The Acts of
the Apostles, page 34.
 THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 26, 1959

Forty-seven years ago, in 1912, the first Thirteenth Sabbath Offering

overflow went to India. Again this quarter we have the privilege of
doing something special for the Southern Asia Division. Think of the
five hundred million people in this great field, where there are only
twenty thousand Seventh-day Adventists, and we are sure you will
want to give a real Christmas sacrifice offering for Thirteenth Sabbath.
The great majority of our believers in India are very poor in this
world's goods, though rich in faith. In the smaller towns and villages it
is impossible for them to provide themselves with even modest meeting
places, and so the Southern Asia Division Committee has dedicated a
part of the overflow for this quarter to building churches throughout
their field.
Another crying need in this division is for medical work in Ceylon.
A portion of the overflow will go toward helping to start the work of
the right arm of the message in this needy area of the Southern Asia
Division.
When planning Christmas gifts for your friends, remember your
best Friend.

LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1960

Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior Lesson Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1960 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The subject of the quarter's lessons is "The Blessed Hope." The
title of the first lesson is "The Plan of Redemption." The Memory Verse is
Genesis 3:15. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. 1 Peter 1:20. Ques. 7. Gen 18:25.
Ques. 2. Gen. 3:9, 10. Ques. 8. Rev. 15:2, 3; 19:1, 2, first part.
Ques. 3. Gen. 3:15. Ques. 9. Rom. 14:11.
Ques. 4. Micah 4:8; Acts 3:20, 21. Ques. 10. Titus 2:13.
Ques. 5. Rev. 21:5. Ques. 11. Isa. 25:9.
Ques. 6. Eph. 3:6. Ques. 12. Rev. 21:1-4; 22 :3.

47 ]
 - -• , SOUTHERN ASIA DIVISION
, • ......... -•

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NO. Of
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CHURCH SAB. SCHOOL
MEMBERS MEMBERS

80 BURMA 19,855360 32 2.075 2,728

t'. ,.... , CEYLON 9,250.000 12 572 776
NORTHEAST INDIA 103,761377 50 2,912 4014
NORTHWESTERN INDIA 185,500,000 22 1,112 1,415
' PAKISTAN UNION N., PAKISTAN 89,000,000 36 2,069 6,031
SOUTH INDIA 94,184,187 153 9,453 11,940
‘,.. - •.1...... LAHORE r- so:L4 1 'WESTERN INDIA 48,265,174 20 1,526 2284
• I
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